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E BOSTON OF THE PAST. 







ITS HISTORY. 

"O city in tlie I'nited States has a more inter- 
esting history than Boston. It was settled in 
tlie year 1630; and up to the time of the Revo- 
lution it was the first town in the country, both in 
oint of population and influence. In 1628 the 
istrict known as the Massachusetts Bay Colony 
was bought by people from Dorchester, England ; 
and a year later Charlestown, now a part of Boston, 
was tirst settled. The peninsula lying opposite 
'A'i^BBHB'^/ /r / Charlestown, on the other side of the Charles 
I* ^^^W^ '" River, was then called Mushauwomuk by the In- 

dians, whicli i.-^ said l)y some historians to have signified "living fountains," 
and by others " free land," or " land unclaimed ; " and this has since 
become abbreviated to '' Shawmut." Winthrop and his associates, who 
settled it from Charlestown, called it Trimountaine, probably from its 
three hills afterwards known as Beacon, Copp's, and Fort Hills, though 
possibly from the three peaks of Beacon Hill, described in 1633 by Wood 
the voyager as " three little hills on top of a high mountain." The first 
settler here was the Rev. William Blaxton, who lived between the present 
Louisburg Square and the Charles River. He held an unquestioned 
proprietorship to the whole peninsula of Boston ; and when his ownership 
was recognized by the court, each householdei:, agreed to pay no less than 

Copyrighted in 1878 by Moses King. Re-entered 1879. 



A'/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



six shillings to make up the required sum of £T)0 to buy of him all but six 
acres where his house stood. This was accomplished ; and with the pur- 
chase-money he bought some cows, and " moved on," establishing himself 

in a new home at a point then far 
away from Boston, on the banks of a 
picturesque river, which is now known 
as the Blackstone, named after him. 
Ann Pollard, who lived to the ripe 
old age of 105, is said to have been 
the first white woman that landed in 
Boston. According to her story, she 
came over in one of the first ships 
that reached Charlestown ; and a few 
days afterwards a party of young 
people rowed to Boston to get some 
good water. As the boat neared the 
declared that she would land first, and 




First House in Boston. 



shore, she, being a romping girl 

immediately jumped from the bow to the beach. 

In 1630 the first general court of the colony was 
held in Boston. John Winthrop was the first gov- 
ernor elected l:)y the colonists, and Thomas Dudley 
the deputy-governor. Had these two carried out their 
olan of fortifying " New-towne," the present Cam- 
oridge, the result would possibly have been, that either 
the latter, or some other town, would have become the 
New-England metropolis, instead of Boston. Win- 
throp, however, after he and others had built houses 
at New-towne, saw that Boston was the most prom- 
ising site, and consequently abandoned the project, 
causing thereby the enmity of Dudley. This circum- 
stance, possibly combined with jealousy, led to un- 
friendly disputes between those two magnates, which 
had to be settled by arbitrators. The old beacon, 
shown in all the early plans of the town, and which 
gave the name to Beacon Hill, was erected in 1634-5 
to alarm the country in case of invasion. It stood 
near the present State House, the exact spot being 
the south-east corner of the reservoir on Temple 
Street. It was a tall mast, standing on cross timbers 
placed upon a stone foundation, supported by braces, 
and was ascended by treenails driven into it ; and, 
sixty-five feet from the base, projected a crane of iron from which an iron 




Beacon, Beacon Hill. 




From •• PiontcrB in tlio S.lMfm.ia uf 

QUARREL BETWEEN WINTHROP AND DUDLEY. 



I>tfff i^ Lauriat, Boston. 



4 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

skeleton frame was suspended, to receive a barrel of tar or other combust- 
ibles. When fired this could be seen for a great distance inland. It was 
newly erected in 1768, having fallen from some cause unknown ; and in 1789 
it was blown down. The next year a monument of brick, sixty feet high 
and four in diameter, was erected on its site to the memory of those who fell 
at Bunker Hill; and in 181 1 this was taken down, the mound being levelled. 

The happiest people are those who have no history ; and there is not 
much of moment to record concerning this thriving town during the first 
century of its existence. A few interesting facts from the quaint records of 
the early day will show the state of society and public opinion. I'>om 1637 
up to 1676, in the pages of local history can be found cases where persons 
were either banished from Boston, or murdered on account of heresy, 
hung on charges of witchcraft, punished for petty misdemeanors by im- 
prisonment in the stocks, whipped or fined for being Baptists, persecuted in 
various ways for being Quakers, or placed in cages for violating the sab- 
bath. Up to the last century, too, slavery existed in Boston. In 1655 
times were very hard ; and many inhabitants paid their taxes with produce, 
grain, and other articles. The town also suffered from extensive fires in 
1676, 1679, 171 1, and 1760; over 350 buildings being destroyed in the latter 
conflagration. In 1686 there was trouble between the colony and the home 
government; and Andros an unpopular governor, was imprisoned by the 
people in 1689, and finally forced to leave the country. The colonial char- 
ter was withdrawn; but in 1692 came a new governor, with an olive-branch 
in the shape of a new charter, and the troubles temporarily ceased. Edward 
Ward, a cockney traveller, thus described the young town in 1699: " On the 
south-west side of Massachusetts Bay, is Boston, whose name is taken from 
a town in Lincolnshire, and is the Metropolis of all New England. The 
houses in some parts joyn as in London. The buildings, like their women, 
being neat and handsome. And their streets, like the hearts of the male 
inhabitants, are paved with pebble." 

The first attempt to establish a paper was made in 1690, and the first 
number is held by the Colonial State Paper Office at London. A copy of 
this by Dr. Samuel A. Green, was published in vol. i. (1857) of "The His- 
torical Magazine." The first newspaper in America was issued in Boston, 
its publication beginning on April 24, 1704. It was called "The Boston 
News-Letter." Its founder was John Campbell, then the town postmaster; 
and the first number may yet be seen in the library of the Massachusetts 
Historical Society. In the year 1706 Benjamin Franklin was, it is stated, 
born in the humble little house which stood on Milk Street, and occupied 
the site of the present "Boston Post" building. The old house stood a 
hundred and twenty years, respected as one of the most notable landmarks ; 
and its destruction by fire, in 181 1, was keenly regretted, especially by the 




From ■■ PiuniHTa Ul tll,- S, lllrl,l..lll, n( 

ANDROS A PRISONER IN BOSTON. 



ca." Esiti/a fi Luuriat, Booton. 



K/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 




Franklin's Birthplace, Milk Street. 



older citizens. It is also said that Franklin was born in Hanover Street. In 
1728 two young men fought a duel on the Common, one of them being 
killed. This caused the passage of a stringent law against duelling. The 

same year the general court was 
removed to Salem. Boston was 
now divided into twelve wards, it 
having been previously, in 171 5, 
divided into eight wards ; and in 
1740 it had five public schools and 
fifteen churches. 

Not long after began the exciting 
displays of opposition to the oppres- 
sions of the home government, and 
the petty tyrannies of some of its 
representatives in the colony. The 
citizens were jealous of their rights, 
and ever ready to strike for them. 
In 1747 Commodore Knowles of the 
British navy, being short of men, 
openly impressed sailors in the 
streets of the town : and thereupon 
there was a lively riot. The excitement ran high. Some British officers 
were seized, and were held as hostages by the irate townspeople until 
the release of their fellow-townsmen ; and the commodore was obliged to 
submit, and to return the impressed men when the officers were in turn 
released. In 1750 an indignation meeting of citizens was held to protest 
against the heavy duty levied on tea and other articles of import. In 
1765 the "Sons of Liberty " were organized under the "Liberty Tree," a 
wide-spreading, beautiful elm, which stood in front of a grocery, near what 
is now the corner of Essex and Washington Streets, a tablet on the 
present building marking the spot : and here were exposed the efiigies 
of those men who had favored the passage of the odious Stamp-Act. 
During the exciting period which followed, nearly all the great political 
meetings of the " Sons of Liberty." called together by the hoisting of a 
flag on the staff extending through the branches of the tree, were held 
under its waving boughs and in the square about it. During the siege of 
Boston, about the last of August, 1775, this tree was cut down by a gang in 
the pay of the British soldiers and the Tories, after standing 119 years. 
In 1770 there was continued excitement about, and opposition to, the unjust 
revenues imposed by the home government ; and we read of an anti-tea- 
drinking society that was formed by the ladies. On the 5th of March of 
this year the Boston Massacre occurred, in which five citizens were killed 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 7 

and several wounded by the British soldiers. The affair grew out of a 
trivial street-brawl between the parties in King, now State, Street. Such 
was the feeling caused by the massacre, that it was deemed expedient by the 
British authorities to withdraw the troops from the town. This massacre 
was, however, only the cloud before the storm; for Boston was soon to be 
the centre of warlike operations on a large scale. Dec. 16, 1773, the mem- 
orable " Boston tea-party" occurred; in which a number of citizens disguised 
as Indians boarded several English ships lying at the wharf, and emptied 
342 chests of the obno.xious tea into the harbor. The following year the 
harbor was entirely closed as a port of entry; and in 1775 began the struggle 




Dorchester Heights and the Harbor. 



for independence, in which Boston and its vicinity took such a prominent 
and honorable share. In April the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord 
took place, rousing the entire country: and June 17 the battle of Bunker 
Hill was fought at Charlestown, resulting in a repulse of the little American 
army. That autumn the British soldiers occupied the Old South Church as 
a riding-school, and in many other ways made themselves particularly disa- 
greeable to the patriotic citizens of the town. The British occupied Boston 
all the following winter ; the army under Washington prosecuting its siege 
with much perseverance and vigor, so that in March the Americans were 
victorious, forcing Gen. Howe to evacuate tlie town, and sail away, carrying 
with him a tjiousand Tories. 



8 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

The evacuation of Boston was the result of a strategic movement of 
Washington, in taking possession of the bold, rugged hill known as Dor- 
chester Heights, now a part of South Boston, though still retaining its old 
name among the older residents of the city. Washington confidently ex- 
pected an attack from Howe, and had prepared a counter stroke. Two 
divisions under Putnam were to attack the town. Sullivan, with one, was 
to assault the works on Beacon Hill: Greene, wdth the other, was to carry 
the port at Barton's Point, and make a junction with Sullivan. But, as 
Drake says in his "Old Landmarks of Boston," "Providence arrested the 
purpose of Howe, and the town was entered without a shot being fired." 
The work of constructing the fortifications on Dorchester Heights was 
begun at about eight o'clock on the night of the 4th of March, and when 
morning dawned the Heights were in condition to afford a good defence 
against small arms and grape-shot. The works commanded both the 
harbor and town, and compelled the British either to evacuate the town, 
or to drive the Americans from their fortifications. The latter course was 
determined upon ; but a furious storm arose, and the design was aban- 
doned, and evacuation took place on March 17, 1776. On July 18 the 
Declaration of Independence was read from the balcony of the Town 
House, amid great rejoicings. With varying and oftentimes doubtful pros- 
pects of success, the war for independence drew gradually toward its close 
in 1 781. John Hancock was presiding over the destinies of the Common- 
wealth when the desired consummation of the struggle was reached, and 
the historic town entered upon a new and brighter era of its existence. 

The latter part of the eighteenth century was a period of rapid growth 
and marked improvement in Boston. The population in 1789 was 18,000. 
The Charles-river Bridge, the first of the numerous avenues connecting 
the town with its northern and western suburbs, was completed ; and before 
the close of the century the new State House was finished, and the first two 
theatres — the Boston, and the Haymarket — opened their doors. During 
Washington's visit in 1789 he lodged in a mansion-house on the corner of 
Court and Tremont Streets : which, although altered and one story higher, 
is still standing. On the Court-street front, between the second and third 
stories, is a stone tablet, bearing the inscription : — 



OCCUPIED BY 


WASHINGTON, 


Oct. 1789. 



Washington Street, during the same year, was named in honor of this visit. 
Among those who have been occupants of this building are Harrison Gray 



KING'S HAND BOO A' OF BOSTON. 



r * 



Otis, the eminent lawyer, and Daniel Webster, who had his law-office there 
during his residence in Boston. The upper stories for many years have 
been, almost exclusively occupied by _ 

lawyers ; and the lower story for the ^.=^-'^' ^- -ji-i : -^=^^ 

past forty-seven years has been the .i;^ '^■^ 

wholesale and retail grocery of Samuel 
S. Pierce, now S. S. Pierce & Co. Judge 
R. I. Burbank began his practice in one 
of the office-rooms of Webster, and re- 
mained an occupant of the building over 
thirty years. 

From the beginning of the nineteenth 
century, the greater portion of the his- 
torical events can be recalled by many 
persons now living. Our aim shall be 
to briefly mention some of the most 
notable. 

During the autumn of 1804 a terrific 
gale visited Boston, blowing down sev- 
eral church-steeples, and doing much damage. 



1^ B ssissi" 

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Washington's Lodgings, Court Street. 





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The news of the declara- 
tion of war against England in 181 2 was 
received by Bostonians with indignation. 
Her influential men had opposed the em- 
bargo laid upon commerce with England, 
which Avas a heavy blow to the interests of 
Boston and Massachusetts, one-third of the 
shipping of the United States being at that 
time owned in the State: and they pro- 
nounced the war a serious mistake. Nev- 
ertheless, at the call for troops a regiment 
was raised here : and in 1814, when a British 
fleet was reported to be off the coast, ex- 
tensive preparations were made to give it a 
warm reception, should it come this way. 
Peace was gladly welcomed the next year. 

In 1816 Webster came to Boston. He 
lived first in Mount Vernon Street, on the 
summit of Beacon Hill, a few rods north- 
west of the State House ; later, in the house 
now standing at No. 37 Somerset Street ; 
and afterwards at the corner of High and Summer Streets, where he enter- 
tained Lafayette in magnificent style during the visit of the latter in 1825. 







Site of Webster's Home, Sunnmer Street. 



A'/A'G'S HAA'DBOOK OF BOSTON. 



Webster's residence in Summer Street, now numbered 136 and 138, was 
long marked by a splendid block of stores, known as " The Webster 
Buildings." This went down in the great fire of 1872, but was soon re- 
placed bv a substantial iron-front building erected as a warehouse for Wm. 
Claflin, Coburn, & Co., one of the oldest and most prominent boot-manufac- 
turing firms in the United States. 

In 1 821 the West-Point Cadets, under command of Major Worth, U.S.A., 
marched to Boston, and encamped on the Common. They were accompa- 
nied by the finest band in the country, the music of which was nightly lis- 
tened to by an admiring multitude ; and Willis's strains from a Kent bugle, 
an instrument then first introduced, have never been forgotten. 

On Feb. 22, 1822, after many years' agitation of the subject, the first peti- 
tion having been made as early as the year 1709, an act establishing the city 
of Boston was passed by the legislature, and accepted by the citizens ; and 
May I, Boston became a city. John Phillips was the first mayor. He was 
succeeded by Josiah Ouincy, who was in office six successive years. The 
other mayors of Boston, in the order of their service, were: Harrison Gray 
Otis, three terms ; Charles Wells, two : Theodore Lyman, jun., two ; Samuel 
T. Armstrong, one : Samuel A. Eliot, three ; Jonathan Chapman, three : 
Martin Brimmer, two; Thomas A. Davis, one; Josiah Ouincy, jun., three; 
John P. Bigelow, three; Benjamin Seaver, two; Jerome V. C. Smith, two; 
Alexander H. Rice, two : Frederic W. Lincoln, jun., three ; Joseph AL WMght- 

man, two : P^rederic W. 
_^ Lincoln, jun., again, four: 

Otis Norcross, one : Na- 
thaniel B. Shurtleff, three : 
William Gaston, two ; Hen- 
ry L. Pierce, one ; Samuel 
C. Cobb, three : Frederick 
O. Prince, one: Henry L, 
Pierce, one ; and Frede- 
rick O. Prince, one (in 1 879). 
In 1824 the visit of Lafa- 
yette was a notable event. 
During his sojourn he oc- 
cupied one part of the 
double house now stand- 
ing at the corner of Park 
and Beacon Streets, the 
other part afterwards becoming the residence of George Ticknor, the dis- 
tinguished historian of Spanish literature, and one of the great benefactors 
of the Boston Public Library. Among the early occupants of this mansion 




Lafayette's Lodgings, Beacon Street. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. II 

were Gov. Christopher Gore, in honor of whom the Harvard College Library 
has been named; Edward G. Malbone, the portrait-painter; Hon. Samuel 
Dexter, an eminent lawyer and statesman, who had been secretary of war, 
secretary of the treasury, acting secretary of state, and the first president 
of the earliest Massachusetts temperance society. Mr. Ticknor was an 
occupant of the house from 1830 until his death in 1870. It is still occu- 
pied by his family. 

In 1824 the population of the city was 58,000. During the next few years 
numerous public improvements were made : among them the opening of the 
East Boston and Chelsea ferries ; the completion of the Warren Bridge, 
connecting Charlestown with Boston ; the laying of gas-pipes ; and the erec- 
tion of many notable public and private buildings, including a new court- 
house, custom-house, and three theatres, the Tremont, Federal, and Warren. 

In 1830 the population had grown to 61,000, and the city celebrated the 
second centenary of its settlement. In 1833 the old hero, Andrew Jackson, 
visited Boston, and was received with great popular enthusiasm. The Whig 
party was formed about this time. It was in 1834 that the Ursuline Convent 
in Charlestown was burned by a mob. 

In 1837 a large delegation of the Sacs and Fox Indians arrived from the 
far West, and, in all the gorgeousness of paint and feathers, exhibited on 
the Common their war-dances and other feats before interested thousands. 
Boston suffered, in common with other parts of the country, in the panic of 
this year, and its banks suspended specie payments : but it in good time re- 
covered, and entered upon another season of prosperity. In 1840 the first 
steamship-line between Boston and Liverpool was established. In 1843 
President Tyler and Gen. Scott visited Boston. 

In 1844, after a period of intense cold, the harbor was firmly frozen as 
far down as the lighthouse; and its surface was enlivened witli skating, 
coasting, sledding, and sleighing. Cargoes were discharged on to teams, 
and transported to the warehouses. Booths, as on high holidays, filled 
with eatables and drinkables, added to the gayety of the scene, in one of 
which was repeated the laughable ruse, which originated at Dedham, to 
avoid the then stringent liquor law, by placing thereon a placard of " The 
striped pig on exhibition," and exhibiting him in the form of drinks to suit; 
and for years " the striped pig " was a synonyme for a glass of lic[uor. It 
was during this ice-embargo that the enterprising Boston merchants, aided 
by the Fresh Pond ice-cutters, cut a channel seven miles long to enable the 
imprisoned Cunard steamship to prosecute lier voyage to England. 

In 1847 President Polk was the guest of the city. During this year 
there was a great fire at the North End, which consumed more than one 
hundred buildings, with their contents. In 1848 the Cochituate water was 
introduced, and the event celebrated with an imposing display. In 1849 



12 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

there was unexampled mortality from Asiatic cholera. In 1850 Professor 
John W. Webster was hung for the murder of Dr. George Parkman, one 
of the most extraordinary cases in the history of American crime. The 
advent of Jenny Lind was a notable event of the same year : the great 
Swedish vocalist singing to audiences of upwards of 4,000 people. At this 
period the anti-slavery agitation became intense: and in 1854 the Burns 
riot occurred, caused by efforts to liberate Anthony Burns, a fugitive slave, 
one man being killed and several seriously liurt. In i860 the Prince of 
Wales with his suite visited Boston. 

'l"he opening of the civil war in t86i found Boston in a state of patri- 
otic ferment. Great out-door war-meetings were held, and recruiting was 
early begun, and carried on vigorously. During the war the city responded 
promptly to every call for men or money, and sent into the army and navy 
26,119 men, 685 of whom were commissioned officers. In the sanitary 
work the Boston people, prominently the women, were among the foremost. 
In 1863 a draft-riot occurred at the North End, but it was soon overcome 
by the authorities. 




Hancock's House, Beacon Street.' 



In 1S63 the old Hancock House, a stone building, one of the noblest 
private mansions of the colonial period, and one of the unique features of 
this part of the city, was removed. It stood just beyond the State House, 

1 This cut loaned by the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co., Boston. 



K/A'G'S HANDBOOK' OF BOS/VJV. 13 

on Beacon Street, facing the Common. Here Hancock, who was famous as 
a generous host, entertained the great men of the day in almost princely 
style. A great effort was made to preserve this old landmark, but without 
avail, although the house was in excellent preservation. " The chamber of 
Lafayette remained as when he slept in it : the apartment in which Hancock 
died was intact ; the audience-hall was the same in which Washington, 
D'Estaing, Brissot, the Percy, and many more had stood ; and finally the 
entrance-hall, in which for eight days the dead patriot lay in state, opened 
upon the broad staircase as in the time of old Thomas and Lydia Hancock.'" 
We quote from Drake. 

In 1865 the rejoicings over the emancipation proclamation and the end 
of the war were sharply turned to mourning by the news of the assassina- 
tion of the beloved President Lincoln. Boston, in common with the other 
large cities of the North, gave expression to the universal feeling of grief 
by a funeral procession of vast length. The history of Boston since the 
war has been crowded with noteworthy events, at which the limits of this 
sketch allow us the merest glance. In 1867 Gen. Sheridan paid a visit to 
the city. In the same year Gov. Andrew died suddenly at his city home. 
In 1868 Gen. Grant visited the city for the first time since the war, and 
was received with warm demonstrations of welcome. The ensuing year was 
marked by a grand event, which could only have been carried out by the 
enterprise of a city like Boston combined with the talent of a man like P. 
S. Gilmore, — the National Peace Jubilee. It took place from June 15 to 19 
in the huge Coliseum, temporarily erected for the purpose between the Back 
Bay and the South End, and was a remarkable success, drawing thou- 
sands of visitors from all sections of the country, and exciting the most 
unrestrained enthusiasm, both on account of its musical features and of its 
patriotic tendency. In 1870 Prince Arthur visited Boston. The same year 
the city was called upon to mourn the death of George Peabody, the philan- 
thropist, and of the Hon. Anson Burlingame, whose remains lay in state in 
Faneuil Hall. In 1871 the old building standing in the middle of Court 
Street, near Tremont and Cornhill, known as Scollay's Building, was 
removed, leaving an open area, now called Scollay Square. This year 
the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia visited the city, and was treated to a 
round of brilliant gayeties. The year 1872 was eventful. From June 17 to 
July 7 the second grand musical festival was held, and was attended by from 
30,000 to 100,000 people daily. It also was held in a temporary Coliseum 
of vast size ; and special national musical features were introduced by 
bands from England, France, Germany, and other countries. Johann 
Strauss led the orchestra while it played his own waltzes. A grand ball 
was given. Gen. Grant being present. The enterprise was regarded as a 
grand success, although it was not remunerative to the shareholders. Dur- 



14 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

ing the following autumn came the epizootic epidemic, rendering almost all 
the horses useless for the time being, and causing great inconvenience. 

On Nov. 9, this year, at 7.15 o'clock in the evening, the Great Boston 
Fire broke out. The flames started at the corner of Summer and Kingston 
Streets, and spread with terrible speed, in spite of the efforts of the firemen, 
taking their course north-east and north into the very heart of the substan- 
tial business district of the city, where a great proportion of the buildings 
were of solid granite, and used for wholesale business. Aid was summoned 
from the suburban and even from distant cities ; and special trains bearing 
fire-engines came hastening into the panic-stricken city from all sides. 
Buildings were blown up in the hope that the gaps thus left would not be 
bridged by the furious on-sweeping flames, and the gas was cut off, 
leaving the city almost in darkness. The militia went on duty to aid the 
police in preventing the wholesale lawlessness that threatened to add to the 
terrors of the time. When the fire finally stopped, it had spread over 63 
acres, and destroyed about )f 100,000,000 worth of property and many lives, 
leaving the entire district bounded by Summer, Washington, Milk, and 
Broad Streets a smoking chaos of ruins. Boston recovered with almost 
incredible elasticity and pluck from this terrible blow; and the "burnt dis- 
trict " is to-day a section of imposing and substantial business warehouses. 
It must be added, however, that even to the present day the city has not 
fully recovered from the effects of the great fire. In 1873 another serious 
fire destroyed several squares of buildings. Subsequent calamities have not 
been infrequent. Within a few years there have been numbers of those 
startling and often unaccountable accidents so common in American cities. 
Among these may be mentioned extensive fires in 1874, 1877, and 1878; the 
blowing up of a building on the corner of Washington and La Grange 
Streets ; the explosion under the sidewalk near the Federal-street Bridge in 
South Boston, by which several lives were lost; and the explosion of Jen- 
ney's oil establishment in South Boston. The burning of a tenement-house 
on Shawmut Avenue, in which several of the unfortunate occupants lost their 
lives or were terribly injured, will be remembered as a comparatively recent 
occurrence. So also has Boston of late years had an unpleasant notoriety 
from a peculiar class of criminals: notably the boy Jesse Pomcroy, confined 
for life in the State prison, who murdered a boy and a girl, and tortured 
several children, making himself the terror of the neighborhood in which he 
lived ; and Piper, who one Sunday afternoon murdered the little six-year-old 
girl, Mabel Young, in the belfry of the Warren-avenue Baptist Church, of 
which he was sexton. According to his confession just before his execution, 
May 26, 1876, he had also murdered one Bridget Landregan, whose death up 
to that time had been a mystery, and he had almost fatally assaulted one Mary 
Tyner on Oxford Street. The Rev. E. D. Winslow, among the foremost of 




I. The Cluflin Guards, \V. 1!. Scirs, Lapt. j. \iew fmiii Wasliington Street. 3. The Burnt District, 
THE BOSTON FIRE OF 1877. 



1 6 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

the long line of prominent and trusted men of Massachusetts who have fallen 
from their high places to the level of the criminal, was a Boston business- 
man, managing two daily newspapers, " The Daily News," now out of exist- 
ence, and "The Boston Post," purchased from its former proprietors a few 
months before his flight, which occurred on the 19th of January. 1876. He 
had committed forgeries for very large amounts, by which several of the 
most prominent banks of the city and private parties were heavy losers. 
Winslow was captured in London on the 15th of February; but the British 
government refused to surrender him unless the United States should guar- 
antee that he should not be tried for any other offence than that set forth in 
the extradition papers. After long and labored discussion by representa- 
tives of both governments, Winslow was released, and soon left London. 
His whereabouts is not knqwn ; though it is believed by some that he has 
been in this country, and even in this State, since. In July, 1878, the so- 
called " Tappan irregularities" were exposed, creating a great stir for a 
while in the business world. John G. Tappan, an old citizen, a leading 
merchant of long standing, was the treasurer of the Boston Belting Com- 
pany, for many years a most successful and profitable concern, enjoying a 
large income, especially from the working of valuable patents in its posses- 
sion. The failure of this company was suddenly announced, coupled with 
the statement that its treasurer had wrecked it by using its paper and credit 
to bolster up his own individual speculations, which had been steadily losing. 
Irregular paper to the extent of several hundred thousand dollars had been 
given out. Mr. Tappan made over to the company all the property he pos- 
sessed, in real estate and in bonds and checks, and retired from his posi- 
tion disgraced and ruined. He was the largest of the stockholders, and, 
with members of his family, held a majority interest. Henry F. Durant, 
the founder of Wellesley College, was the president of the concern, and 
was a heavy loser. Upon the surrender of the stock by the original 
holders, the company was re-organized, and Mr. Durant was re-elected 
president. 

In 1874 Charles .Sumner died. His early home was the old-fashioned 
painted brick house, of generous width, now standing at No. 20 Hancock 
.Street. It was purchased by his father in 1830, and was in the possession 
of the family from that time until 1867, when it was sold to Judge Thomas 
Russell, collector of the port of Boston, and afterwards minister to Venezuela. 
.Sumners law-office was at No. 4 Court Street, at the corner of Washington. 
Here he was associated for twenty years, beginning in 1834, with George S. 
Hillard. In the building, during the time of his occupancy, were the offices 
of a number of eminent members of the Suffolk bar ; among them, Theophi- 
lus Parsons, Rufus Choate, Horace Mann, Edward G. Loring, Peleg W. 
Chandler, and, later, John A. Andrew. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



17 



The Bunker-liill centennial celebration is something extremely agreeable 
in the recent history of Boston. Preceded as it was by the celebra- 
tion of the battles of Lexington and Concord on the 19th of Ai)ril, 1875, 
popular enthusiasm had been grad- 
ually increasing for weeks before the 
memorable 17th of June, — the date 
of one of the grandest demonstra- 
tions ever seen in this or any other 
country. The city, the state, and 
the private citizens vied with each 
other in their efforts to make the 
event a glorious success. The cele- 
bration was licgun by an official 
reception in the Music Hall on the 
evening of June 16, given by the city 
to its guests, many of whom were 
from the South. The affair was 
made memorable especially by the 
spontaneous expressions of good- 
will and of a desire for reconcilia- 
tion on the part of the late Confed- 
erates who participated ; and a tone 
of lofty and heart-felt patriotism 

pervaded the meeting. The hall was brilliantly decorated, and hundreds 
of distinguished guests were present, besides military bodies from South 
Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, New York, and many other States. The 
speaking was by Mayor Cobb, Cov. Caston, Col. A. O. Andrews of South 
Carolina, Gen. Fitz-Hugh Lee of Virginia, Gen. Judson C. Kilpatrick, Gen. 
W. T. Sherman, Gen. A. E. Burnside, and \'ice-President Wilson. The 
enthusiasm cannot be described, and was entirely unusual in its character. 
The next morning the city woke up to find its streets filled with vast 
crowds of visitors; flags floated from almost every building, the streets 
were gay with banners, and the entire town was in gala array. After a 
military review in the morning, the great procession started on its long 
march at 1.15 J'.M., under Chief-Marshal Gen. Francis A. Osborn. The pro- 
cession included the whole militia force of Massachusetts ; regiments from 
New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Providence ; companies from Pennsyl- 
vania, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Virginia, Washington, New York, South 
Carolina, and New Hampshire ; hundreds of governors, generals, and dis- 
tinguished guests from all parts of the country ; civic associations, secret 
societies, veteran bodies, benevolent and temperance societies, and a trades 
division in which were 421 vehicles drawn by 1,587 horses. The number of 




Sumner's Hous 



1 8 KING'S HAN^DBOOK OF BOSTON. 

men marching in the parade has never been approximately estimated, but 
may be inferred from the fact that the time occupied by the procession in 
passing a given point (all delays being deducted) was three hours and fifty 
minutes. The railroads alone brought 140,000 people into the city on that 
day. Exercises at the Bunker-hill Monument in tlie afternoon were pre- 
sided over by Judge G. W. Warren ; and the oration was delivered by Clen. 
Charles Devens, jun. 

On March 17, following this memorable celebration, the one hundredth 
anniversary of the evacuation of Boston by the British was observed in a 
somewhat elaborate fashion. Historic points and buildings were noted and 
decorated, speeches were made in the Old South Church, and an oration was 
delivered in Music Hall. 

Jan. 25, 1877, the Moody and Sankey Tabernacle, a large brick building, 
well constructed, though built for a temporary purpose, and capable of seat- 
ing 6,000 persons, situated at the junction of Tremont Street and Warren 
Avenue, was dedicated ; and on the 28th began the season of daily revival 
meetings that continued without interruption until May 27. Dwight L. 
Moody preached and held prayer-meetings daily, both afternoon and even- 
ing, with few exceptions ; and Ira D. Sankey sang, supported by a vast 
choir under the direction of Eben Tourjee. Great crowds were attracted, 
not only from the city, but from the surrounding country, excursion trains 
running on the railroads. The meetings created a profound sensation. On 
.March 9 of this year there was one of the severest gales ever known in this 
vicinity. The velocity of the wind was seventy-two miles an hour. The 
storm area was of great extent, striking the whole Atlantic seaboard, and 
extending west beyond the Mississippi. On the evening of April 9 the 
social event of the season occurred, — the Old South Ball, in aid of the pre- 
servation fund, which was given in Music Hall. June 26-27 President 
Hayes, with Evarts, Sherman, Key, and Devens, of his Cabinet, visited the 
city. There was a procession and review in their honor, and a civic banquet 
at the Hotel Brunswick. The president attended Commencement at Har- 
vard, and the degree of LL.D. was conferred upon him. A few days previous 
to tlie visit of the president, a delegation of ladies of the Woman's Christian 
Temperance Union, headed by Mrs. M. A. Livermore, presented a memorial 
to Mayor Prince praying for the banishment of liquor from the forthcoming 
city dinner to the Presidential party. There was a free interchange of 
views. Mayor Prince earnestly debating the question with Mrs. Livermore. 
Liquor, however, was not banished from the festive board. Sept. 19 Gen. 
McClellan was given a reception in Faneuil Hall. 

Of Old Boston, a hundred years ago, the following pleasing sketch is 
condensed from the address of the Rev. Dr. George E. Ellis, on the occasion 
of the celebration of the hundredth anniversary of the evacuation of Boston 



K/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



19 



by the British : " ' Well-to-do,' ' fore-handed,' were the local phrases by which 
the general condition of the people would have been described. There was 
real wealth, too, in the hands of some, with complacency, luxury, and dis- 
play. There were stately and substantial dwellings, with rich and solid fur- 
nishings for parlor, dining-room, hall, and chamber, with plate and tapestry, 
brocades and laces. There were portraits, by foreign and resident artists, of 
those who were ancestors, and those who meant to be ancestors. There 
were formal costumes and manners for the gentry, with parade and etiquette, 
a self-respecting decorum in intercourse with their own and other classes, 
warm hospitality, good appetites, and abundant viands, liquid and solid, for 
all. The buildings were detached, none of them in blocks. The homes 
of many of the merchant-princes and high magistrates were relatively more 
palatial than are any in the city to-day. They stood conspicuous and large, 
surrounded by generous spaces, with lawns and trees, with fruit and vege- 
table gardens, and fields for pasture, and coach and cattle barns. There 
were fine equipages, with black coachmen and footmen. There were still 
wide unfenced spaces, and declivities and thickets, wlicre the barberry-bush, 
the flag, and the mullein-stalk grew undisturbed. There were many quaint 
old nooks and corners, taverns and inns, 'coffee-houses,' — the drinking- 
vessels in which were not especially adapted to that beverage, — shops 
designated by emblems and symbols, loitering-places for news and gossip, 
resorts of boys and negroes for play or roguery, and some dark holes on 
wharf or lane. . . . There were some two thousand buildings, four being 
of stone, of which King's Chapel alone remains. Between Beacon and the 
foot of Park Street stood the workhouse, the poorhouse, and the Bride- 
well, — all facing the Common. On the site of the Park-street Church 
stood the Granary; opposite, a large manufactory building, used by the 
British for a hospital. The jail occupied the site of the present Court- 
house. King and Queen, now State and Court Streets, were the most 
compactly covered, and lined with taverns, dwellings, marts, and oiifices of 
exchange. The house provided by the Province for the British governor 
was opposite the Old South, standing far back, stately, commodious, with 
trees and lawn up to Washington Street. The Old State House, with a 
dignity which it has not now, held the halls of the council and the repre- 
sentatives, with royal portraits and adornings. How little is there here now 
which the patriots and citizens of the old days, if they came back, would 
recognize ! " 

In appearance, in customs, and in manners, Boston has changed marvel- 
lously during the past half-century; and a great, far-reaching, imposing mod- 
ern city has taken the place of the bustling, quaint, picturesque town of a 
hundred years ago. Few of the historic old landmarks remain, and these 
few are doomed to soon disappear before the onward march of the utilita- 



20 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

rian. Up to the beginning of the last half-century, the territorial area and 
aspect of the city had changed but little. It was then a pear-shaped penin- 
sula, in its extreme length less than two miles, and its greatest breadth a 
little more than one. " It hung to the mainland at Roxbury," says one 
writer, "by a slender stem, or neck, of a mile in length, so low and narrow 
between tide-waslied flats that it was often submerged." Now the original 
783 acres of solid land have become 1,829. The broad, oozy salt-marshes, 
the estuaries, coverts, and bays, once stretching wide on its northern and 
southern bounds, have been reclaimed ; and where then the area was the 
narrowest, it is now the widest. The hills have been cut down, — one. Fort 
Hill, entirely removed; the whole surface of the original ground has been 
levelled and graded, and every square inch turned over and over ; new terri- 
tory has been added by annexing adjoining suburban cities and towns, until 
now the area of the city, with all its districts, is 23,661 acres {2,6^-^ square 
miles), more than thirty times as great as the original area. The area of the 
districts is as follows : South Boston, 1,002 acres ; East Boston, 836; Rox- 
bury, 2,700; Dorchester, 5,614; West Roxbury, 7,848; Brighton, 2,277; 
Charlestown, 586; Breed's Island, 785; Deer Island, 184. 

From 1800 to 1878 the population increased from 25,000 to upwards of 
375,000; the number of polls from 4,543 to 87,924; the total valuation from 
$15,095,700 to $630,427,200; the tax levy of less than $80,000 to $7,879,150. 
The city debt, to be sure, is heavy, the funded debt in May, 1878, standing 
at $42,457,022.47; but, with its present means and accumulations, the city 
will pay at maturity all its indelitedness. The sinking-funds pledged to 
meet the debt are $16,300,000 in amount; and in the coming five years the 
city will pay and caftcel $8,230,000 of its debt. Roxbury's valuation when 
annexed to Boston, in 1867, was $26,551,700; Dorchester's when annexed, 
in 1869, was $20,315,700; Charlestown's when annexed, in 1873, $35,289,682; 
West Roxbury's when annexed, same year, $22,148,600; and Brighton's 
when annexed, same year, $14,548,531. Within twelve miles of the City 
Hall there is a population of about 625,000. Of Boston of the present day, 
beyond the brief glimpse given in this opening chapter, the following pages 
will be found to present, we trust, an interesting picture. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



W(St Arteries of tlje City. 

THE STREETS, WAYS, DRIVES, BRIDGES, SEWERS, AND 
HORSE-RAILROADS. 

MANY Streets in old Boston had been named for London streets, and 
ways and places in other parts of old England ; but after the Revolu- 
tion the citizens made haste to change the most obnoxious of these names 
for others of a more republican flavor. Thus King Street was promptly 
changed to State Street, and Queen to Court. Richmond Street before 1708 
was called Beer Lane, from Beer Lane in London; and Salem Street prior to 
the same date was called Back Street. The name of Hanover Street was 
not changed, though a " perpetual reminder of a detested house; " and until 
1854 the tough old street now North was called Ann, in honor of Queen Anne. 
The portion of Congress Street south of Milk Street before 1855 was Atkin- 
son Street, named from the ancient Atkinson family, who came from Lan- 
cashire. Federal Street before 1788 was Long Lane. Dock Square was so 
named because it was " the place around the dock." Milk and Cornhill were 
named from streets of the same names in London ; and in both the old and 
the present Cornhill, for years was the headquarters of the book-trade. 
Franklin Avenue, the narrow way which now runs from Cornhill to Court, 
was so named for the reason that in a printing-office standing at the Court- 
street corner Franklin served his apprenticeship. Hawley Street was for- 
merly Bishop's Alley, and afterwards, until 1792, Broad Alley. Boylston 
Street was anciently Frog Lane : and Devonshire Street was, up to the close 
of the Revolution, Pudding Lane, from the street of the same name in Lon- 
don. Bowdoin Street and Square were named for the governor. Bowdoin 
Square was the seat of many elegant old-time estates, witli broad acres, 
gardens, and noble trees. Chardon Street was named for Peter Chardon, an 
eminent mer.chant, one of the Huguenot descendants, who lived on the cor- 
ner where the Bowdoin-square Church now stands. Leverett .Street is from 
the famous old Governor Jolm. Causeway Street was named for the old 
causeway built on substantially its present line, and which made a pond of 
many acres between Prince and Pitts Streets. The first block of brick 
buildings erected in the town was built as late as 1793, in what is now Frank- 
lin Street. Broad Street was laid out in 1806, at the generous width of 
seventy feet ; and India Street was opened the year following. Blackstone 
Street, named after the first settler of Boston, was opened about 1834, and 



2 2 A'/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

was built upon the bed of the old Middlesex Canal, by which boats came 
down from Chelmsford on the Merrimack to the wharves on the east side 
■of Boston. Harrison Avenue was opened in 1841, and was named in honor of 
Gen. Harrison. Beacon Street was named, of course, for Beacon Hill ; and 
when the name was contirmed by the town, the street extended only to the 
present State-house grounds. The street, now one of the most "toney " in 
the city, was first called "the lane to the almshouse ! " Province Court and 
Street, from School to Bromfield, in the rear of Washington, w^re originally 
avenues to the stables and the rear grounds of the old Province House, the 
ancient abode of the royal governors, and one of the last relics of the colony 
to disappear. Hence their names. The stately building fronted on that part 
of Washington Street formerly known as Marlborough, nearly opposite the 
head of Milk Street, with a handsome lawn in front ornamented by two 
stately oaks. From the balcony over the generous entrance, the viceroys of 
the province were accustomed to harangue the people, or read proclamations. 
After the adoption of the State Constitution it became a government house, 
and was for a while the official residence of the governors. Later it was 
sold, converted to the uses of trade, and fell from its proud position in 
colonial times, dropping lower and lower in the social scale, becoming a 
tavern, and last a hall of negro minstrelsy. It was destroyed by fire in 
October, 1864. The Province House formed the theme of one of Haw- 
thorne's weird and fascinating fancies in his " Twice -Told Tales." 

The streets of the business portion of Boston, which embraces almost all 
of old Boston, have long been pronounced a hopeless tangle by those un- 
familiar with their tortuous courses, and their tendency to run into and 
across each other; but in consequence of much changing, widening, and 
straightening, at a heavy expense to the city, many of the crooked ways have 
been made comparatively straight, though it must be confessed that many 
yet remain to greatly perplex the stranger, and even the born Bostonian in his 
■endeavor to direct a bewildered inquirer. But these very crooked and twist- 
ing streets are one of the peculiar charms of Boston, and add much to 
its picturesque appearance. The new streets are spacious, direct, and 
straightforward enough to suit even the square-cut Philadelphian. Wash- 
ington Street, first called Broadway, then Broad Street, and often simply the 
Way, has always been one of the main thoroughfares. At first it extended 
from near Dover Street to the Roxbury line; but in 1824 the names of the 
down-town twists of the present street, up to that time known as Cornhill, 
Marlborough, Newbury, and Orange, were all changed to Washington. In 
1873-4, at a cost of over $1,500,000, it was extended farther down to 
Haymarket Square, whence it now runs to the Highlands, as the former 
city of Roxbury, now a part of Boston, is popularly called. Tremont, one 
of the principal retail streets, is of course a contraction of Trimountaine. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



23 



In 1805 there was but one brick house on this street. Winter Street, 
formerly Bolt's Lane, is familiarly called the " Ladies' Street," because 
the stores upon it are exclusively for ladies' trade, and crowds of ladies 
throng it pleasant days. Other principal retail streets are Temple Place ; 
West Street; Tremont Row, which forms one side of Court Street north 
of Pemberton Square ; and Hanover Street, which a quarter of a century 
ago was the leading retail street. State Street, flanked with granite build- 
ings, is the principal financial street. The leather trade is chiefly centred, 
as before the great fire of 1872, in Pearl, Congress, Summer, High, and 
neighboring streets ; the cotton and wool houses are in the same section 
of the city; the wholesale dry-goods jobbing-houses are on Franklin, Sum- 
mer, Arch, and near-by streets; Broad and India are notable wholesale 
streets; and the shipping interests, with the corn and grain trade, are 
found largely represented on Commercial and the streets in its immediate 
vicinity, where are long blocks of massive granite warehouses. Running 
parallel with Washington Street, up town, arc Harrison Avenue and Albany 
Street on the east; and Shawmut Avenue, Tremont Street, Columbus Av- 
enue, and Huntington Avenue, on the west. One of the most fashionable 
carriage-drives is through Beacon Street, over Beacon Hill, along by the 
Common, Public Garden, and a continuous line of elegant residences, and 
out through Commonwealth Avenue or Beacon Street, or the Mill Dam as- 
the latter is more commonly called, to Longwood and Brookline, attractive 
suburbs; the former being not unlike a scene from old English country 
life. The Mill Dam, when established, was considered an enterprise of 
great magnitude. The dam extends across the western bay, about a mile 
and a half in length, and seventy feet in width. It originally enclosed 
about six hundred acres of flats, over which the tide flowed from seven to 
ten feet deep. A partition dam divided this enclosure, and formed, by the 
aid of flood and ebb gates, a fall and a receiving basin, thereby exerting a 
vast hydraulic power for the propulsion of machinery. This cross-dam 
also formed a fine avenue from the Mill Dam to Roxbury. The Mill Dam 
begun in 1818, completed in 1821, at a cost of $700,000, was until recently 
used as a popular mile-track for speeding horses, and in the sleighing- 
season the scenes presented were animating and enlivening in the extreme. 
The roadway continues into the famous Brighton Road, familiar to all 
''horsemen," to which locality the racing has been more recentlv transferred. 
Running from Arlington Street, the western border of the Public Garden, 
and parallel with Beacon Street, are Commonwealth Avenue, Newbury, 
Marlborough, and Boylston Streets. Parallel with Arlington Street are 
Berkeley, Clarendon, Dartmouth, Exeter, Fairfield, Gloucester, and Here- 
ford, ingeniously named, it will be observed, according to the letters of the 
alphabet, and a trisyllabic alternating with a dissyllabic word. This is the 



24 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



grand Back-bay section, the fashionable modern West End of Boston. 
These broad and handsome streets are lined with imposing and stately 
private and public edifices, the architectural designs of which, in many 
cases, are most ambitious and elaborate, rendering this part of the city 
justly famous. Indeed, its refined elegance is always remarked with genu- 
ine enthusiasm by visitors ; for no other city in this country, nor possibly 
in any other, displays, in a like space of territory, so much solid wealth, and 
so many superb structures, public and private, as are here spread before the 
eye. The educated and thoroughly trained architect has here had full swing, 
with money, and men of artistic sense, behind him. Bostonians are proud 
of this section of their city : and their pride is surely pardonable. This 




Arlington Street, opposite the Public Garden. 



Back-bay territory is made-land, over flats which were originally the property 
of the Commonwealth, by whom the fiUing-in was largely done, at a cost of 
less than $1,750,000: and thus far the State treasury has received over 
$4,000,000 by the sale of these lands, and something like half a million feet 
are vet unsold. The Boston Water-power Company, a private corporation, 
also filled in many thousand feet in this section, realizing handsomely for a 
time from its sales; and other corporations and individual owners have 
done much, and profited thereby, in the Back-bay section. Commonwealth 
Avenue is two hundred feet wide, and a mile and a half in length ; and in 
its centre, running its entire length, is a mall, or park, along which are rows 
of ornamental trees and several statues. At the "South End," Chester 



AT/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 25 

Park and Union Park are fine residence streets ; and likewise, besides many 
others, are Newton, Rutland, Concord, and Worcester Streets, which open 
upon beautiful squares. 

One of the most extensiv'e and noteworthy street improvements was the 
laying out of Atlantic Avenue, at a cost of $2,404,078. This is a broad and 
spacious thoroughfare, one hundred feet wide, along the harbor Hne, at the 
head of the principal wharves, running from the junction of Commercial 
Street and Eastern Avenue to Federal Street. The total cost of the Fort- 
Hill improvement — the levelling of the hill and the laying-out of streets — 
to May I, 1878, was $1,575,000. 

In South Boston the street-system is quite regular. Dorchester Avenue 
runs directly south from Federal Street in the city proper, through Dorches- 
ter, to Milton Lower Mills. Broadway runs centrally through the territory 
to City Point, and is the principal thoroughfare ; the cross-streets are 
lettered, and many of the streets running parallel with Broadway are num- 
bered. Dorchester Street crosses Broadway at the centre ; and all streets 
west of it have the prefix West, and those east have the prefix East. 

In East Boston the principal thoroughfares are Meridian Street, running 
north and south, and Chelsea Street. Both are intersected by many other 
streets, running for the most part in direct lines across the island. Webster 
Street commands a fine view of Boston Harbor and the city proper, and 
has the most noteworthy private residences of the Island ward. The streets 
are named chiefly for Revolutionary battles or noted poets and artists. 

In the Charlestown district the principal avenues are Main Street, run- 
ning its entire length to " The Charlestown Neck : " Bunker-hill Street, 
running over Bunker Hill, parallel with Main Street ; and Chelsea Street, 
extending from Warren to Chelsea Bridges. The best residences are on 
Monument Square, Breed's Hill, and the streets leading directly therefrom. 
City Square is in the southern section of the district. 

The streets in the Highland district are broad and remarkably attractive, 
winding over the rocky and uneven surface, many of them adorned by 
luxuriant shade-trees, and lined with comfortable, well-built, and often 
elegant residences; the Highlands being sought by those ''well-to-do" 
citizens who desire to establish their homes not too far from "down-town," 
and where the advantages of both city and country can be agreeably com- 
bined. Warren Street, leading to Dorchester, and Walnut Avenue, are the 
principal driveways through the Highlands. A great deal of taste and 
skill are displayed by many residents along these streets, on Norfolk Hill, 
and other sections, in horticultural as well as architectural embellishments. 

The Dorchester district presents many interesting features. It is quite 
rural; and some of its minor streets lead into most delightful lanes, which 
are much enjoyed by the pedestrian. Here also are fine country resi- 



26 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

dences, with grounds made beautiful by the skill of the landscape-gardener; 
and pretty villas, — especially at Savin Hill, a picturesque eminence, with 
water on three sides, and commanding a superb view. Washington Street 
and Dorchester Avenue, Bowdoin, Hancock, and Boston Streets, are the 
principal thoroughfares through this district. 

The streets of the West-Roxbury district are chiefly pleasant country 
driveways, alongside beautiful gardens, ornamental trees, elegant estates, 
and delightful villas. It includes Jamaica Plain, noted for its handsome 
private estates and public buildings ; and Jamaica Pond, a most beautiful 
sheet of water, the ride around which is considered one of the most 
pleasant drives about Boston. 

The Brighton district is reached by Beacon Street, over the Brighton 
Road. Its streets are pleasant and shady, those towards the south and 
west passing over beautiful hills commanding delightful viev s. The prin- 
cipal drives are to and about the Chestnut-hill Reservoir, a distance of 5^ 
miles from the City Hall. 

The total cost to the city of street widenings, improvements, and new 
streets, from the incorporation of the city in 1822, until April 30, 1878, was 
5^31,304,450. The total length of the public streets is about 350 miles. 

The Bridges in and around Boston are quite numerous. Connecting 
the original city with the Charlestown district, there are two bridges, — the 
Charles-river and Warren Bridges. The Charles-river Bridge was the first 
bridge in Boston, and was opened to the public June 17, 1786. It was 
considered at the time one of the greatest enterprises ever undertaken in 
America. It was 1,503 feet long, and cost $50,000. It has been rebuilt and 
considerably enlarged. The Warren Bridge, 1,390 feet long, was completed 
in 1828. West-Boston or Cambridge Bridge, connecting Cambridge with 
Boston, was opened Nov. 23, 1793. The first bridge was 2,758 feet long, 
with an abutment and causeway 3,432 feet long, making a total length of 6,190 
feet ; and its cost was $76,667. This also has been rebuilt and enlarged. 
East Cambridge is connected by Cragie's Bridge, formerly called Canal 
Bridge, 2,796 feet in length, which was opened in 1809. A lateral bridge 
extends from this to Prison Point, Charlestown district, 1,820 feet in length. 
The first bridge to South Boston was from the " Neck " at Dover Street, 
1,550 feet long. It cost $50,000, and was opened in 1805. A second bridge, 
at the foot of Federal Street, 500 feet long, was completed in 1828. The old 
Dover-street Bridge has been rejjlaced by a spacious and substantial struc- 
ture ; and a magnificent iron structure, known as the Broadway Bridge, 
was completed in 1872. There are also the Mount Washington Avenue, and 
the Congress-street Bridges, over Fort-Point Channel. East Boston is con- 
nected with the city proper by three ferries. Two bridges connect East Bos- 
ton and Chelsea, — the Chelsea-street Bridge and the Meridian-street Bridge. 



/C/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 27 

In the Charlestown district is a long bridge to Chelsea, which has recently 
been rebuilt; and from near Charlestown Neck, a long bridge to Everett, 
formerly South Maiden. In the Back-bay district of the city proper, are 
several fine bridges over the railroads, built at much expense. Saratoga- 
street bridge extends to Breed's Island, a part of East Boston, in Ward I., 
and leads also to Winthrop. Six bridges connect the Brighton district with 
Watertown and Cambridge, and four bridges connect the Dorchester district 
with Milton and Ouincy. 

The Public Sewers in Boston are 185 miles in length. In 1878 the sewer 
department expended more than $138,000, and built five miles of sewers, 
and 153 new catch-basins. In August, 1877, the city council authorized the 
construction of an improved and elaborate system of sewerage, at a cost of 
$3,713,000. The contracts were awarded, and work at once begun. It will 
probably be finished in 1880. The scheme involves the construction of 
some 13 miles of intercepting sewers, a pumping-station and pumps, a 
reservoir, and a tunnel. The pumping-station is to be located at Old 
Harbor Point, and its outlet at Moon Head, in Boston Harbor, by which 
it is expected the sewage will be swept far out to sea. 

The Street-Railway System in Boston, although controlled by a few com- 
panies, is nevertheless quite extensive and admirably conducted. The lively 
competition of the various companies causes each one to put forward the 
best accommodations that can be given. The cars are generally first-class, 
and many may justly be called palace-cars. Almost every part of the city 
and its vicinity can be reached by a ride in the street-cars. They are 
always to be found at every railroad depot and almost every steamboat wharf ; 
and the economical traveller can always be sure of transpo'rtation from his 
place of arrival to his place of destination, if not by one direct ride, at most 
by one transfer. Nearly 140 miles of track are operated by the various cor- 
porations mentioned below. 

The Metropolitan Railroad Company is the oldest of the eight compa- 
nies that own the street-railways of Boston, and it operates the most exten- 
sive line. The wages alone amount to over $400,000 per annum. Its capital 
stock is $1,500,000. Although incorporated in 1853, the company run no 
cars over its tracks until 1856; and then the object was only to accommodate 
travel between the present Scollay Square and the South End and Roxbury. 
Lines of omnibuses, known as " King's " and " Hathorne's," were in exist- 
ence, and were purchased and run for a long time by this company. Its 
cars run to different sections of the city proper and East Boston, and by 
way of Washington and Tremont Streets to the Highlands, Dorchester, 
Milton Lower Mills, Forest Hills, Jamaica Plain, and Brookline. 

The Highland Street-Railway Company, organized in 1872, is a com- 
petitor with the Metropolitan road. Its paid-up capital stock is $350,000. 



28 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

Its route extends to the Highlands by way of Shawmut and Columbus 
Avenues, reaching Grove Hall in one direction and Mount Pleasant in 
another. 

The Union Railway Company operates lines running to Harvard Col- 
lege, Mount-Auburn Cemetery, and other parts of Cambridge, the Brighton 
district, Arlington, Watertown, and Somerville. Its Boston terminus is 
Bowdoin Square. The paid-up capital stock of the corporation is $374,300. 

The Middlesex Railroad Company operates lines running through the 
streets of Boston, from the Old Colony and Boston and Albany Railroad 
Depots to the Charlestown district: to Union Square, and to Winter Hill, 
Somerville ; to Everett and to Maiden. Its capital stock is $400,000. 

The South- Boston Railroad has a capital stock of $460,000; and its cars 
run chiefly to South Boston. 

The Lynn and Boston Railroad runs lines to Chelsea, to Revere (in- 
cluding Revere Beach in summer), to Saugus, Lynn, and Swampscott. Its 
capital stock is $200,000. 

The Railroad Commissioners of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
are Charles Francis Adams, jun., Albert D. Briggs, and Edward W. Kinsley. 
From their Report, dated January, 1879, are compiled the following statis- 
tics about the Boston street-railroads : — 



Name of Company. 



Miles 

of 
Track. 2 



No. of Pas- 
sengers car- 
ried in 1877. 



No. of 
Horses. 



No. of 
Cars. 



No. of I Divi- 

Men dends 

emplo'd. in 1877. 



Total In- 
vestments. 



Metropolitan 
Highland ' . 
Union' . . 
Middlesex . 
South Boston 
Lynn and Bos 
Cambridge ' 
Arlington ' . 



23.255,932 
5,940,999 
7,555,094 
4,717,715 
5,662,789 
2,303,538 



569 
814 
386 
432 
223 



410 

97 
128 
76 



1,033 
225 
318 
174 
216 



8% $3: 

7% 
10% 
6% 
6% 

9% 
6% 



059,334 
717,262 
556,203 
718,681 
607,695 
242,475 
875,000 
13,558 



^ Oct. I, 1878. - Total length in even miles. 

* The Cambridge and Arlington roads are run by the Union Railway Company. 



The Elevated Railroad System promises to gain a foothold in Boston ; 
for, in the autumn of 187S, petitions for charters were filed for the Legisla- 
ture by two different associations, the Boston Elevated Railroad Company 
and the Metropolitan Elevated Railroad Company. 



A'/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 29 



Efjc ilrms of tljc Citu, 

THE RAILROADS, STEAMSHIPS, SHIPPING, AND WHARVES 
OF BOSTON. 

THE steam-railroad was introduced in Massachusetts at a time when the 
commercial interests of Boston were suffering from the results of im- 
provements and enterprises directly in the interest of New-York City, and 
when the far-sighted citizens of Boston were greatly concerned, if not 
alarmed, for her future as a commercial centre. While Boston had poor and 
slow facilities for reaching distant points except by sea, New York, by her 
steamers making daily voyages to Providence, to the Connecticut River, to 
New Haven, and to ports on the Hudson lying near the western border of 
Massachusetts, had direct and regular intercourse with about half the State 
of Massachusetts. By way of the Blackstone Canal from Providence to 
Worcester she reached the heart of the Commonwealth, while Boston had 
no such communication with Worcester ; and by way of a canal from North- 
ampton to Nev/ Haven she had largely drawn to herself the trade of the 
Connecticut Valley. The costly Middlesex Canal, leading from Boston north 
almost to the New-Hampshire line, and modest improvements in the con- 
struction of locks for fostering a very limited traffic by flat-boats on the Mer- 
rimack and the Connecticut Rivers, had disappointed public expectation ; 
and Boston's chief system of internal communication consisted of numerous 
lines of stage-coaches and baggage-wagons ; the former capable of making 
a journey of 100 miles in a day of eighteen hours, and the latter making 
the round trip of 100 miles and back, once a fortnight, with a carrying 
capacity of only four or five tons. Such were the rapid modes of travel 
and transportation out from Boston, when the practicability of the railroad 
was discovered and demonstrated in England : and, as soon as learned of 
and fully comprehended here, its introduction into Massachusetts was 
promptly urged and pressed by the most energetic and public-spirited men 
of Boston, as the solution of the problem of internal improvement by. 
which successful competition with New York, and the enlargement of the 
business and trade of the city, could best be secured. A scheme which 
had long been agitated for the establishment of a canal from Boston to 
Worcester, for the purpose of counteracting the Blackstone, and another 
for opening a line of navigation by way of Miller's River to the Connecti- 
cut, and thence by tunnelling the Hoosac Mountain to the Hudson, were 



30 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

abandoned, by some who had been among their most ardent advocates, and 
their energies directed towards securing the railroad. It must be confessed, 
however, that men of capital sufficient to test the experiment on a broad 
and generous scale were slow to recognize its advantages ; and the public 
received the announcement of this improvement as adapted to meet its 
wants with what, at this day, appears as surprising incredulity. 

At length, after much discussion in the newspapers, pamphlets, and 
public meetings, the legislature in 1827 was influenced to authorize a com- 
mission to cause surveys to be made of the most practicable routes for a 
railroad from Boston to the Hudson River at or near Albany. The next 
legislature, upon the report of these commissioners, established a board of 
directors of internal improvement, consisting of twelve members, and appro- 
priated a fund to pay the expenses of surveys and plans ; and under their 
direction surveys were made for a railroad from Boston to the Hudson River, 
and for three entire routes from Boston to Providence. The board reported 
in the winter of 1829, recommending that a commencement of railroads be 
made in both directions, — to the Hudson River and to Providence, — at the 
expense of the State. But the legislature declined to make any appropria- 
tion. In succeeding sessions several private charters were granted; but 
nothing was accomplished by these at once, the subscriptions to stock com- 
ing forwai'd slowly. In 183 1 the Boston and Providence, the Boston and 
Worcester, and the Boston and Lowell corporations were organized, the 
charter of the latter having been granted the year before; and the construc- 
tion of all three roads was begun the following year. The subscriptions to 
the stock of the Boston and Worcester road were made conditionally, with 
the reservation of the right of the subscribers to withdraw on receiving the 
report of definite surveys and estimates; and were mostly by business men 
desirous of establishing, ultimately, a western railroad which should extend 
to the Hudson River. A great part of the stock of the Boston and Provi- 
dence was taken by New-York capitalists, and much of that of the Boston 
and Lowell by stockholders in the mills of Lowell. The Boston and 
Worcester was partially opened for public travel in April, 1834, and opened 
throughout on July 4, the following year; the Boston and Providence in 
part in June, 1834, and throughout in June, 1835; and the Boston and 
Lowell in June, 1835. These roads were built by engineers who had never 
seen the English works ; and, though they adopted the general principles on 
which those were built, they by no means directly copied them, making in 
some particulars radical changes, as, for instance, adopting cross-ties of 
wood in lieu of stone blocks, as "sleepers," and admitting higher grades. 
The Boston and Lowell, however, did lay their track in part on granite 
sleepers. At first the locomotives were imported from England; but very 
soon works for their manufacture were established here, a locomotive of 



KING'S HANDBOOK' OF BOSTON. 31 

American make being placed on the Worcester road within its first year, 
proving a valuable and altogether serviceable engine. 

Once firmly established, the great advantage of the railroad over the 
canal and other modes of transportation and travel of that day was recog- 
nized by all ; and the system was rapidly enlarged and extended, through 
the indomitable enterprise of citizens of Boston, until in 1851 seven trunk- 
lines, extending" to the limits of the State, had been completed, with numer- 
ous branches, connecting with main lines in and passing through other 
States, opening channels of easy intercourse with distant parts of the coun- 
try in all directions ; the last trunk-line finished connecting the St. Lawrence 
at its two most important points, Ogdensburg in New York, and Montreal 
in Canada, directly with the port of Boston. At that time a great railroad 
jubilee was held, lasting three days, at which the president of the United 
States, Millard Fillmore, and the governor-general of Canada, Lord Elgin, 
were present, with the members of their cabinets, and other distinguished 
men. By the Grand Junction Railroad, — the completion of which was a mat- 
ter for si^ecial congratulation at the jubilee, much being expected from it, — 
the Eastern, Maine, Fitchburg, and Lowell roads, were connected, for freiglit, 
and brought to tide-water at East Boston : here ample wharf and storage 
room was provided, built in the most convenient and substantial manner, 
so that cars from the interior could be brought into immediate connection 
with vessels from every port, and the freight of the ship directly exchanged 
for that of the cars. The seven trunk-lines — the Worcester, Providence, 
Lowell, Eastern, Maine, Fitchburg, and Old Colony — had cost, when the 
great jubilee was held, nearly $53,000,000, yielded an income of over 
$6,500,000, and covered nearly 1,100 miles. The entire length of railroad 
situated, in whole or in part, in Massachusetts, at that time, was 1,411-5 
miles, at an aggregate cost of $60,992,183, affording a gross income of 
$7,445,961 ; and the entire cost of the railroads in the New-England States 
then operated exceeded $100,000,000. Bostonians, besides their interest in 
their home roads, had large investments in railroads in the West: and it 
was estimated, at the time of the jubilee, that $50,000,000 of railroad invest- 
ments were held in Boston. 

Such had been the growth of the railroad-system at the time of the great 
jubilee. But from that time to the present its further development has been 
quite as remarkable. It has been the means of building up many suburban 
cities and towns, by affording quick and frequent transit ; and, for distant 
communication, it has been so extended and broadened that now the city 
is one of the great leading depots of commerce, in sharp competition with 
the other large cities ; its railway lines reaching out in every direction, 
connecting with the magnificent systems of railways that unite the East and 
the Great West. 



32 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



The Boston and Providence, the second railroad opened from Bos- 
ton, enjoys the distinction of being one of the most completely appointed 
railroads in the United States. The road proper, from Boston to Provi- 
dence, is 44 miles, and the branches and leased lines are 22^ miles in length. 
The road runs the fastest train, as by regular schedule, between terminal 
points, of any road in the United States. This, the shore-line express-train 
to New York, which leaves Boston at i p.m., arrives at Providence at 2 p.m. 
The 5.30 and 6 p.m. trains carry large numbers of passengers to Providence 
and Stonington, who there take the Providence or the Stonington line 




Boston and Providence Railroad Depot, Columbus Avenue. 

steamers for New York. These steamers are some of the finest ever built; 
and the line known as the " Providence Line " has become deservedly popu- 
lar with travellers between Boston and New York. The company paid 
10 per cent dividends from 1868 to 1874; i^i the subsequent years, 9, 8, 
and 6 per cent respectively. The station in this city, situated on Columbus 
Avenue, is unquestionably the most convenient and comfortable, as well as 
beautiful, architecturally speaking, in the United States ; and it is the 
longest in the world, being 850 feet from end to end. The portion assigned 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 33 

to the accommodation of passengers contains large and pleasant waiting- 
rooms, dining, reading, billiard, and smoking rooms, a barber-shop, and 
wash-rooms, all finished and equipped in a style equalled only bv our best 
hotels. Upon the walls of the passenger-rooms are painted an index of 
stations and distances, and maps of the country passed through bv this road 
and its connections. On the second floor are the offices of the Company, 
which are approached from a gallery running around the grand central liall, 
one of the finest and most effective features of the building. Out of this 
hall open the waiting-rooms and other apartments described above. The 
train-house is 600 feet long and 130 feet wide ; and its great iron trasses 
cover five tracks and three platforms. The entrance forms a fine feature of 
the fagade ; and at the Columbus-avenue corner is a lofty tower, witli a large 
illuminated clock. The cost of this station was $800,000. The president 
is Henry A. Whitney ; and the superintendent, Albert A. Folsom. 

The Boston and Albany Railroad succeeded the Boston and Worcester 
road, and forms one continuous line to the Hudson River, so long desired 
and contemplated, at the very beginning, in tlie railroad enterprises conceived 
by Boston men. The Boston and Albany Railroad Company was formed in 
1869 by the consolidation of the Worcester and Western Railroads with all 
their branches and leased lines; the Western road having been opened from 
Worcester to the Connecticut River eight years after the opening of the 
Worcester road, and to the State line two years later. The length of the 
main line, with double track, is 201.65 miles; and the total length of line 
owned, leased, and operated is 324.74. It now owns and operates the Grand 
Junction Railroad and its extensive and finelv-equipped wharves at East 
Boston, the completion of which did not at the time realize the expectations 
of its projectors; and for 14 years immediately preceding its purchase it was 
practically abandoned. This has been connected with its main line, and has 
thus secured a deep-water connection. It affords ample facilities for unload- 
ing tlie foreign steamers; moves large numbers of immigrants, in a prompt 
and comfortable manner, saving them from tlie danger and confusion of a 
passage through the city, and protecting them from sharpers; and altogether 
does an immense business through this enterprise. It also owns and oper- 
ates a substantial grain-elevator here, with a capacity of 1,000,000 bushels; 
and another on the corner of Chandler and Berkeley Streets, with a capacity 
of about 500,000 bushels, its object being the supply of the city trade. The 
average annual dividends of the Boston and Albany have been 10 per cent 
until within a few years, wlien the general depression of business through- 
out the country has reduced them to 8 per cent. About the station in this 
city, on Beach Street, there is comparativ^ely little confusion ; outward trains 
leaving from one distinct section, and inward trains arriving in the other. 
The president is D. Waldo Lincoln: and the general manager, William Bliss. 



34 K/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

The Boston and Lowell Railroad is now part of a system connecting 
with the leading railroads of New Hampshire, the Central Vermont, and 
the Grand Trunk, and especially forming a continuous line to Montreal 
and other parts of Canada and the West, with two express trains daily. 
The Boston and Lowell formed a combination with the Nashua and Lowell 
Railroad in January, 1857, for the joint operation of the main roads and 
branches. On this basis the length of line directly operated by this com- 
pany is 133 miles. f>om its opening to the year 1875, the company's 
yearly dividends have varied from 2 to 8 per cent. The largest dividend was 
paid in 1873. None were paid between 1875 and 1877 ; but payment was 
resumed in 1878. The passenger-station in this city was recently built, and 
on a large scale, in anticipation of the extension of the western business of 
the line, and also of the construction of the Massachusetts Central Raih'oad 
from Boston to Northampton, which was suspended at the time of the finan- 
cial crisis, but which has now been ta]<en in hand again. The passenger- 
station is 700 feet long, and has a front of 205 feet on Causeway Street. In 
the centre of the head-house is a magnificent and lofty marble-paved hall, 
finished in hard wood. Out of this open large and well-appointed waiting- 
rooms, a restaurant, bundle-rooms, baggage-rooms, a barber's shop, etc. The 
train-house is broad, spacious, and long; and its great arch has a clear span 
of 120 feet. The building material of the station is face brick, with trim- 
mings of Nova Scotia freestone. Its appearance and convenience were 
greatly improved in 1878 by the addition of two broad entrances in the 
front. The building is flanked by two massive towers, the westerly one 
being much taller than the other. The president of the Boston and Lowell 
is the Hon. Thomas Talbot, governor of Massachusetts ; and the general 
manager, Hocum Hosford. 

The Old-Colony Railroad Company was chartered March 16, 1844, to 
build and operate a railroad from Boston to Plymouth ; and the road was 
opened for travel at the close of the following year. The present Old- 
Colony Railroad Company has absorbed the Old-Colony and Fall-River Rail- 
road Companies, the Fall-River and Newport, the Cape-Cod, the Vineyard- 
Sound, the South-Shore, the Duxbury and Cohasset, tlie Middleborough and 
Taunton, the Dorchester and Milton, and the Boston, Clinton, Fitchburg, 
and New Bedford, and Framingham and Lowell Railroads. The main line, 
from Boston to Newport and Provincetown, is 177 miles in length; and with 
its various branches it controls and operates in all 475 miles of rail lines, 
together with 225 miles of steamship routes; making a total of 700 miles 
of land and water routes. The main line runs through some of the largest 
manufacturing towns of Eastern Massachusetts, — Brockton, the Bridge- 
waters, Easton, Taunton, New Bedford, and Fall River. Provincetown, one 
terminus of its main line, is the farthest seaward point of Cape Cod. The 



/C/A'C'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



35 



northern division extends from Taunton to Attleborough, Mansfield, Fram- 
ingham, Clinton, Fitchburg, and Lowell. A branch also reaches to Wood's 
Holl, whence steamer connection is made to Martha's Vineyard and Nan- 
tucket. Other branches reach to Hingham and Cohasset, famous summer 
resorts on the South Shore ; to Marshlield, the old home of Daniel Web- 
ster ; to Duxbury, where the American end of one of the Atlantic cables is 
held; and to other places of interest and importance. As the "land end" 
of the renowned Fall-River line to New York, with its magnificent steamers 
the " Bristol " and '• Providence," as yet unapproached in size or grandeur 
by any in the 
world, the Old- 
Colony road is 
widely and fa- 
vorably known. 
These boats, 
that cost $1,- 
250,000 each, 
have carried 
more than 
2,000,000 pas- 
sengers. The\ 
are being con- 
s t an 1 1 y i ni 
proved, and ti 
day are as at 
tractive and in 
viting as when 
first launched 
The Old -Col- 
ony has for 
many years 

paid a regular 6 per cent dividend, and in the years 1873-75 declared 7 per 
cent. The passenger-station in this city is on Kneeland and South Streets. 
In 1876 the Old-Colony acquired control of the Union Freight Railway 
in this city, which is practically the distributor of freight from the railways 
to the wharves of the city, for "lading steamships and other vessels. By the 
aid of this railway, an elevator, and dummy engines, a European steamship 
can be loaded in 24 hours. The Union Freight was first operated in 1872, 
and during the year ending October, 1878, conveyed about 156,000 tons, 
at a cost of $49,300. The charge per car is %■!. Its tracks run to 
Constitution, T, Lewis, Eastern-avenue, Commercial, Union, and Central 
Wharves. The line is 2 45 miles long, and extends from the Boston and 




Old Colony Railioad Depot, Kneeland Street. 



36 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

Lowell to the Old-Colony tracks. The president of the Old-Colony road is 
Charles F, Choate ; and the general superintendent, J. R. Kendrick. 

The Fitchburg Railroad company was chartered March 3, 1842, and was 
opened for travel to Waltham Dec. 20, 1843 ; to Concord June 17, 1844; and 
to Fitchburg March 5, 1845. It now operates the Vermont and Massachu- 
setts road, extending from Fitchburg to Greenfield, under a lease for 999 
years, and pays tolls over the Troy and Greenfield and through the Hoosac 
Tunnel, having previously from 1866 to 1875 leased the Troy and Green- 
field. During the year 1878, extensive improvements were made at the 
Boston end of the road, from Warren Bridge to Constitution Wharf, and 
tide-water, in preparation for the great volume of business expected through 
the road's direct connection with the Hoosac Tunnel ; and the completion 
of the Boston, Hoosac Tunnel, and Western Railway, largely owned by 
Boston capital, which will connect directly with the Erie Road. The 
line of the main road to Fitchburg is 49.60 miles, and from Fitchburg to 
Greenfield 56 miles ; and the total length of line owned, leased, and operated 
is 173.43 miles. For 20 years it paid a regular 8 per cent dividend; in 1877, 
however, owing to the depressed times, the dividend dropped to 6 per cent, 
but has since advanced to 7 per cent. The passenger-station in the city, on 
Causeway Street, is a massive structure of undressed granite, looking in 
front more like a grim old castle than a railway station, and was built in 
1847. It was in a large hall (since removed) in the upper part of this build- 
ing, that the famous Jenny Lind concerts were given in 1850. The interior 
of the station has been several times re-arranged and remodelled, and it is 
now quite convenient. Trains enter on one side, and depart on the other. 
The president of the company is William B. Stearns ; the general superin- 
tendent of the road, John Adams : and E. K. Turner, the assistant super- 
intendent. 

The Fitchburg company has recentlv entered into a contract with the 
Leyland line of steamships, running between Boston and Liverpool, by 
which two and three steamships weekly receive and deliver cargoes at Con- 
stitution Wharf. 

The Eastern Railroad Company was chartered April 14, 1836, to build a 
road from East Boston to the New-Hampshire line ; and this was completed 
Nov. 9, 1840. The main line now runs, through consolidation with other 
roads, from Boston to Portland, and from Conway Junction to North Con- 
way, N.H., 180 miles in all, with branches of 102 miles in length; the total 
length of lines owned, leased, and operated being 281.966 miles. The length 
of road in Massachusetts is 120.79 miles; New Hampshire, 107.63; and 
Maine, 53.55 miles. For many years the company enjoyed great prosperity; 
but since 1873 it has not paid a dividend, and has passed through a most 
trying ordeal. In 1876 the management came into the hands of Gen. A. P. 



AVNG'S HAND POO A' OF BOSTON. 



37 



Rockwell, the present president, wlio with his assistants has been gradually 
bringing the company into a more satisfactory condition ; and the indica- 
tions at this time are, that it will soon be able to recover itself. Geographi- 
cally the location of the road is all that can be desired. The ])ranch to 
Nortli Conway is one of the favorite modes of reaching the White Moun- 
tains ; and it there connects with the Portland and Ogdensburg, running 
through tlie midst of tlic mountains. The Gloucester branch, from lieverly, 
through Beverly Farms, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Magnolia, and (Iloucester, 
to Rockport, is one of the best branches controlled by this company ; the 
summer travel along it being very heavy. The passenger-station in this 
city is on Causeway Street, between the stations of the Lowell and Fitch- 
burg roads. It was built in 1863, after the destruction by fire of the former 
station, and is small and crowded. What space it affords is, however, well 
utilized; and the waiting-rooms are convenient and well arranged. It is of 
brick, with a central tower, upon which is a clock. 

The Boston and Maine Railroad, as now constituted, was formed by the 
consolidation, Jan. i, 1S42, of tlie Boston and Portland Railroad, chartered 
in Massachusetts in 1833 ; the Boston and Maine, chartered in New Hamp- 
shire in 1835; and the Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, char- 
tered in Maine in 1S36. The consolidated road was opened to the junction 
with the Portland, Saco, and Portsmouth, at South Berwick, Me., in 1843. 




Boston and Maine Railroad Depot, Haynnarket Square. 



The latter road up to July, 1871, was leased to and operated by the Boston 
and Maine and the Eastern roads jointly. In 1873 the Boston and Maine 
was opened to Portland. Tlie main line, from Boston to Portland, is 115 
miles long; and, in addition, the company operates 83 miles of branches and 
leased lines. The main line passes through one of the most thickly-settled 
portions of New England. Tliere are 42 cities, towns, and villages between 



38 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

Boston and Portland, many of them being devoted to manufacturing in- 
terests. The dividend paid in 1877 was 5 percent; but for several years 
previous it was 6, 8, and 10 per cent. The passenger-station in this city is 
on Haymarket Square, at the foot of Washington Street, occupying a most 
prominent position. It was built long ago; but it has been extended, re- 
arranged, and improved internally, so that it is now convenient, light, and 
cheerful. The president of the Boston and Maine is Nathaniel G. White; 
and the superintendent, James T. Furber. 

The New- York and New-England Railroad Company succeeded, in 
1873, to all the property and rights of the Boston, Hartford, and Eric Rail- 
road Company, which had itself absorbed the Norfolk-County Railroad, the 
Southbridge and Blackstone, the Midland, the Hartford, Providence, and 
Fishkill, and the road from Brookline to Woonsocket. It now owns and 
operates a railroad from Boston and Providence, through WilHmantic, to 
Waterbury, Conn.; from Brookline, Mass., to Woonsocket, R.I.; and 
branches to Southbridge and Dedham. It also operates under leases the 
Norwich and Worcester Railroad from Worcester to Allyn's Point, and 
thereby controls an independent Sound line of steamers to New York; 
the Rhode Island and Massachusetts Railroad from Franklin to Valley Falls, 
making a direct line from Boston to Providence without change of cars; the 
Pawtuxet Valley Railroad in Rhode Island, and the South Manchester and 
Vernon branches in Connecticut. Tlie railroad and steamboat lines under 
its control aggregate 500 miles. By means of the transfer steamer '' Mary- 
land," running between Harlem River and Jersey City, a sleeping-car is run 
through to Savannah every day, starting from the depot on Atlantic Avenue 
at the foot of Summer Street every evening at six o'clock. Freight is trans- 
ported by the "Maryland " without breaking bulk; and, by connection with 
the Pennsylvania Railroad at Jersey City, a large amount of through Western 
business is done over the New-York and New-England road. WilHam T. 
Hart i-s president of the company ; and Charles P. Clark, general manager. 

The Boston, Revere Beach, and Lynn Railroad is a narrow-gauge road, 
running from East Boston (connected with the city proper by ferries that 
start from Atlantic Avenue at the foot of High Street) to Lynn along the 
crest of Revere Beach. This magnificent beach, almost five miles long, is 
dotted at short intervals with hotels, many of which have gained such repu- 
tations that thousands of people are attracted to them daily in the summer 
season. Trains run hourly during the day and evening, and carry a large 
number of passengers travelling for pleasure. The three-feet gauge is 
admirably adapted to the purposes of the road. Tlie Boston, Winthrop, and 
Point Shirley road connects with this road at Winthrop Junction, and runs 
thence to the watering-place of Ocean Spray in the town of Winthrop. 
Edwin Walden is president ; J. G. Webster, treasurer ; and E. H. Whorf , 
superintendent. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



39 



The railroad business of Boston is shown in the following table, com- 
piled from the reports for the year ending Sept. 30. 1S78: — 



1 


Railroads. 


Loco- 
motives. 


Passenger 
Cars. 


Baggage, 

Express, and 

Mail Cars. 


Freight and 
other Cars. 


Passengers 
carried. 


Tons 

of Freight 

carried. 


Boston & Albany . . 


243 


184 


55 


S.424 


5,200,641 


2,642,555 


Boston & Providence . 


45 


103 


18 


681 


3,213.189 


569,751 


Boston & Lowell . . 


44 


60 


26 


650 


1,935,843 


604,122 


Old Colony .... 


72 


158 


27 


1,024 


3,959,023 


631,190 


Fitchburg .... 


70 


77 


^5 


1,520 


2,166,116 


I. "5.771 


Eastern 


97 


136 


37 


1,349 


4,197.991 


697,987 


Boston & Maine . . 


77 


133 


28 


1,226 


4,564,171 


582,851 


N.Y. & New England, 


71 


102 


30 


898 


3,121,368 


737.964 


Boston, Revere Beach, 
& Lynn . 


i ' 


23 




16 


686,838 






1 



Boston has been, from the start, a commercial city, and its commerce 
has been most extensive. The first ship was built as early as 1631 ; the 
quahit records of the early day stating, under the date of July 4 of that 
year: " The Governour built a bark at Mystick which was launched this day 
and called the Blessing of the Bay." The first regular steamship that ar- 
rived in Boston from across the Atlantic was " The Acadia," of the Cunard 
line, in 1840. The advantages of the situation of the city, set upon a har- 
bor, deep, capacious, secure, and unobstructed at all seasons of the year, 
were early comprehended by the people ; and the shipping-interests were fos- 
tered and extended with wise judgment and great rapidity. Even before the 
close of the seventeenth century, the product of the land was shipped to 
Virginia, the West Indies, Great Britain, Portugal, Spain, and Madeira, in 
exchange for the fruits, wines, and manufactures of those countries ; and the 
construction of wharves on a systematic scale was begun. In tlie early part 
of the nineteenth century great improvements were made in the wharves and 
the streets leading tliereto. Long Wharf had been built since 1710, and was 
then much longer than it now is, owing to the filling-in and extension of the 
water-front. The building of Central Wharf, with a line of 54 stores four 
stories high, was one of the early improvements of the nineteenth century; 
and before 1850 the whole margin of the city on the east and north was 
lined with about 200 docks and wharves, affording an extent of wharfage of 
over five miles, witli fine warehouses, many of granite, presenting a solid 



40 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

and substantial appearance. Of the magnitude of some of these wharves a 
few figures will give an idea. Before the building of Atlantic Avenue, 
which has been built by the making of new land across the liead of the 
wharves, thus shortening their length, Long Wharf extended i,8oo*feet into 
the harbor, with a line of 76 warehouses ; Central Wharf, 1,379 feet; and 
India Wharf, 980 feet. Among other extensive wharves are T, Commer- 
cial, Lewis's, Russia (formerly Griffin's Wharf, which was the scene of 
the famous "tea-party" in the early days of resistance to British oppres- 
sion). Battery, and Constitution Wharves. The fine deep-water front across 
the harbor on the East Boston side, and Constitution Wharf in the city 
proper, accommodate the European steamships. In East Boston, besides 
the extensive Grand-Junction wharves of the Boston and Albany Rail- 
road, are the Cunard Wharf, and the wharves of the National Dock and 
Warehouse Company, where the bulk of the East India trade is done. In 
the Charlestown district the water-front is taken up by the Navy Yard, 
wharves belonging to the Fitchburg Railroad Company, the large Mystic- 
river Wharf of the Boston and Lowell Railroad Company, with its grain 
and coal elevators, and the wharf of the Mystic-river Corporation. On the 
south side of the harbor the fiUing-in of the South-Boston flats is rapidly 
advancing; and large deep-water docks and wharves, with railroad freight- 
yards, will soon be ready to accommodate ocean steamships. 

Although the shipping-interests of Boston suffered a temporary check 
during tlie war of the rebellion, they are now steadily and rapidly improving ; 
and the city maintains its position as the second commercial port in the 
Union. There are at present four regular first-class steamship-lines between 
Boston and European ports, each running steamships at the average of 
at least once a week, — the Cunard, Warren, and Leyland lines to Liverpool, 
and the Wilson Line to Hull and Southampton. Others are also contem- 
plated. Ten years ago the Cunard steamships were the only transatlantic 
ones running to Boston, and they ran but once a fortnight. There are also 
regular weekly lines to the Provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and 
Prince Edward Island; a regular line to the Western Islands; and coast- 
wise steamers to Philadelphia, Savannah, Baltimore, Norfolk, New York, and 
Portland. Among new lines projected is one to the West Indies. The 
export trade of the city is steadily progressing. From January to October, 
1878, the total exports were $43,952,587. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 41 



l^otels; antr ^Restaurants. 

THE PRINCIPAL TRANSIENT AND FAMILY HOTELS, THE 
RESTAURANTS AND CAFES. 

THE first tavern in Boston is said to have been opened in 1634, by Samuel 
Cole, on Merchants' Row. During the seventeenth century the leading 
taverns were the State Arms, the Ship, the King's Arms, the Castle, the Red 
Lion, the King's Head, and the Green Dragon : most of which, of course, 
were at the North End. Histories tell some droll stories of these old tav- 
erns. In the last century the most celebrated houses were the British Coffee 
House, the Royal Exchange, the Roebuck Coffee House, and the Green 
Dragon Tavern ; the latter being the headquarters of the Liberty Boys. 
When coaches came in vogue, such houses as Earl's, the Elm Street, the 
Eastern Stage, and the City Tavern, were opened : the latter, situated on 
Brattle Street, was owned by Simeon Boyden, who has been called the 
"father of the hotel system of the ignited States." The Boston Exchange 
was built on Devonshire Street in 1804, and burned in 1818, when the con- 
flagration is said to have interrupted a game of cards in which Henry 
Clay held three aces. The Lion, the Lamb, the Pearl-street House, Hatch's, 
the Commercial Coffee House, and the Sun Tavern became famous hostel- 
ries, and places of resort. Succeeding these came the Marlborough, the 
Albion, the Bromfield, and others ; some of which, although still standing, 
have outlived their pre-eminence. But it is regarding the hotels of the 
present time that the reader is to be informed ; and, in sketching those, it 
is especially appropriate to begin with Boston's grandest hotel, — 

The Hotel Brunswick, situated upon Boylston Street, corner of Claren- 
don Street, — one of the most comfortable and handsomely furnished hotels 
in the world. The lessee and manager is Col. J. W. Wolcott, who has fur- 
nished the hotel in lavish and magnificent style. 

The site of the hotel is, perhaps, the most delightful one that could have 
been selected. It is within a few moments walk of the Public Garden 
and Common, and surrounded by the most elegant architectural structures, 
including the new Museum of Fine Arts, the Public Library, Institute of 
Technology, and several of the new church edifices, among which are the 
New "Old South" and Trinity. It is as near to the depots, and as con- 
venient to all parts of the city, as any of the old hotels. Boylston Street, 
on which the Brunswick fronts, is one of the broadest and finest thorough- 



42 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

fares in Boston. The Beacon-street cars pass the Brunswick, and several 
lines of cars pass close by. 

The house is conducted on the American plan, the terms being $4.50 per 
day ; and, under the skilled hands of Col. Wolcott, it has proved to be such a 
hotel as Boston never saw before. " I have lived," says Sothern, " in hotels 
nearly all over the globe, and I have never met with one so thorouglily 
well managed in every department." And to this Dion Boucicault adds : 
" My professional duties carry me every year between San Francisco and 
Paris, ranging through the intermediate cities ; and I fail to remember any 
hotel within that range that can surpass the Brunswick, few that can com- 
pete with it." Not only do the leading actors and musicians make this hotel 
their home while in Boston, but nowadays many of the most distinguished 
and notable personages of this country and Europe enjoy the luxury afforded 
by the accommodations of the Brunswick. 

The building, which was designed by Peabody & Stearns, architects, of 
Boston, is essentially fireproof. It covers more than half an acre of ground, 
is 200 by 125 feet, six stories high, with basement, and contains 350 rooms. 
All the chambers are supplied with every modern convenience ; every 
apartment has hot and cold water; and every suite has a bath-room. The 
passenger-elevator is one of the most luxurious in Boston. The structure is 
of brick, with heavy sandstone trimmings. The principal finish of the first 
two stories is of black walnut. On the right of the principal entrance are 
two parlors for the use of ladies, and on the left of the main entrance is the 
gentlemen's parlor. On the easterly side of the house is the new dining- 
hall, dedicated upen Whittier's seventieth birthday, when the proprietors of 
"The Atlantic Monthly" gave the dinner at which so many noted American 
writers were present. On the right of the ladies' entrance is the large dining- 
hall, 80 feet long by 48 feet wide. Both dining-halls have marble-tile floors, 
the walls being Pompeiian red, and the ceiling frescoed to correspond. The 
five stories above are divided into suites and single rooms, all conveniently 
arranged, and provided with every modern improvement, including open fire- 
places, besides steam-heating apparatus. Every thing seems to have been 
done to make the house homelike, comfortable, and attractive, and free from 
the usual cheerless appearance of hotels. The cost of the building was 
nearly a million dollars. It was built in 1874, and enlarged in 1S76. Presi- 
dent Hayes, when attending the Harvard Commencement in 1877, with his 
family and suite, occupied rooms at the Brunswick. The rooms were en- 
tirely refurnished, and the hotel elaborately decorated, for the occasion. 
Ex-Gov. Rice and Gov. Talbot reside at this hotel. Many of the Harvard 
classes, the alumni of Bowdoin College and of Williams College, the Bar 
Association of Boston, and several literary and social organizations, have 
selected the Brunswick as the place for their annual dinners. 



5 i 



■z o 

< 



o 5^ 




KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



43 



Young's Hotel is a well-known and deservedly popular house in the very 
centre ot the business section of the city. It is situated near tlie head of 
State Street, and faces the Old State House and the County Court House. 
It is a substantial brick building, with entrances on Court Square, Court 
Avenue, and Cornhill Court; but it is so closely surrounded by high build- 
ings that scarcely any idea of the exterior appearance can be obtained. It 
is on the European plan, and has excellent accommodations for about 125 
persons. Tlie prices of lodging range from $1 to $3, according to location 
of room. This hotel is patronized almost exclusively by men ; and is a 
great resort of clubs, for whose accommodation there are twelve club-rooms. 
The restaurant is to-day the most famous in Boston, and its cuisine and 
table-service are surpassed by none in New England. The lower stories of 




Young's Hotel, Court Avenue. 

the building are arched and fire-proof. In 1878 extensive improvements 
were made, and the hotel considerably enlarged and wholly renovated. A 
new and elegant restaurant, billiard-room, and cafe were added ; an elevator 
was put in ; and well-appointed reading-rooms, wash-rooms, barber-shop, 
bath-rooms, newspaper and theatre-ticket stands, and telegraph-office were 
opened. With the recent improvements Young's Hotel can truly be classed 
among the best appointed hotels in America, while it has the additional 
attractions of being very quiet and exceedingly comfortable. George Young 
was for many years the proprietor, hence its name. The present proprie- 
tors are George G. Hall and Joseph Reed Whipple, under the firm-name 
of Hall & Whipple, both of whom were for more than ten years connected 
with the Parker House. 



44 



A'/XG'S HANDBOOK OF POSTON. 



The Parker House fronts on School and Treinont Streets. It was 
founded in i<S54 by Harvey D. l^arker. and is a large six-story marble-front 
edifice, containing 260 rooms, including many large drawing-rooms and 
suites. The price of rooms ranges from Si to 55. and of suites from $8 to 
j^i2 per day. The house is on the European plan, and the restaurant is one 
of the finest in the country. The cafe is the rendezvous and exchange for 
politicians and business men on all occasions : while at times, such as elec- 
tion night, the lobby becomes the resort of crowds, and presents an ani- 
mated scene. The Parker House has been one of the most successful 
of American hotels. 

The St. James Hotel is one of the best and largest hotels in the 
citv. It accommodates about 500 guests, and has over 400 rooms. The 
price for transient board is S3 a day. The proprietors are J. S. IJovle, 



.M 






■^i 






\ 



St. James Hotel, Ffanklin Square. 

formerly of the American House, and Ci. C. Mead, formerly of the Tremont 
House. The St. James is finely situated on Franklin Square ; which is a 
beautiful park, with trees, flowers, and fountains. The house is surrounded 
by broad streets, and the locality is exceedingly healthy. The hotel was 
built in 1867 by M. M. Ballou, and is of brick, with granite facings, and a 
French roof. The Washington-street cars pass near by every minute of 
the day. The house is provided with reading and smoking rooms, club- 
rooms, ladies' and gentlemen's parlors, telegraph-ofifice, billiard-room, and 
two elevators. The St. James is the largest family hotel in the city, and the 
most expensively furnished one. 



A'/A'G\S IlAiXnnOOK OF BOSTON. 



45 







2 :—'-:: sl3-t.ttt|fsj,3s^ 



'I 




The American House, No. 56 Hanover Street, Lewis Rice & Son, pro- 
prietors, is the leading business-lioiise of the city ke])t on the American 
plan. It was first opened 
in 1835, and was entirely 
rebuilt in 1S51, covering 
the sites of the old 
American House, Han- 
over House. EarFs, and 
Merchants' Hotels. On 
part of this ground stood 
the home of Gen, War- 
ren. Additions and im- 
provements have since 
been made : and it is now 

one of the largest, as it is American House, Hanov.r Sttef 

reputed to be one of the 

best-managed, hotels in New England. It is finely furnished, has wide 
corridors, and .spacious public drawing-rooms. The first passenger-elevator 
in Boston was constructed for this house, which contains all modern 
improvements for the comfort and convenience of its guests. It has been 
for years the headquarters of the shoe-and-leather trade, and a popular 
resort for Western and .Southern merchants. It has fine family suites, and 
is conveniently situated for business or pleasure. Its prices have recently 
been reduced to 53 and 53.50 a day. The original American House and the 
]jresent one have been, during forty consecutive years, under the manage- 
ment of the late Lewis Rice, and his son Henry B. Rice. 

The Revere House, on llowdoin .Square, is a large and well-appointed 
hotel on the .American plan, having accommodations for 250 guests, and 
charging $2.50 to J4.00 a day. 
according to the location ol 
rooms. It was built in 1S47 
by a company of prominent 
gentlemen, and was nametl 
after the Revolutionary hero 
Paul Revere. For many years 
it was under the management 
of Paran .Stevens, who was 
also lessee of the Fifth-ave- 
nue Hotel in New York, and 
the Continental Hotel in Phil- r^^^,^ h„^^^ b,^j^,„ 3^^_,,^ 

adelphia. The Revere House 
is one of the most comfortable and homelike hotels in the country, and the 




46 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



cuisine is equal to that of any hotel in New England. Many public banquets 
are given at this house. Club and class dinners are made a specialty, and 
the house has the reputation of serving them in the most elegant manner. 
There are large reception-rooms, private parlors, and all other public apart- 
ments usually found in first-class hotels. Precautions have been taken to 
guard against fire; and elevators, corridors, and staircases extending through 
the house, render it easy of exit. Dowdoin Square, on which the house 
fronts, is a street-car centre. Among the distinguished people who have 
stopped here are President Grant, the Prince of Wales, King Kalakaua, 
the Emperor Dom Pedro, the Grand Duke Alexis, Jenny Lind, Christine 
Nilsson, Adelina Patti, Parepa Rosa, and Theresa Titiens. The proprietor 
is C. B. Ferrin, who for many years was connected with the Parker House 
of Boston, and for the past ten years was proprietor of the Westminster 
Hotel of New York. 

The Quincy House, corner of Brattle Street and Brattle Square, is on the 
site of the first Quaker meeting-house in Boston. The original hotel has 
been extended from time to time, until now the frontage is as large as that of 




Quincy House, Brattle Square. 

any other hotel in the city. It includes the first structure of Quincy granite 
erected in Boston. The Quincy House is well furnished, and affords excel- 
lent accommodations for a first-class business house, the terms being only 
$2.50 per day. It is the home of many families and gay bachelors, with 
whom special terms are made. James W. Johnson & Co. became the pro- 
prietors in May, 1879; and the management is now in charge of George G. 
Mann and Alpiieus F. Curtis. 



AUNG'S HANDBOOK' OF BOSTON. 



47 



The Evans House is a handsome structure at No. 175 Tremont Street, 
facing the Common, and pleasantly situated. The hotel is on the American 
plan, and is provided with a passenger-elevator, and all the modern improve- 
ments. It accommodates about 150 people. The prices are $3, $3.50, and 
$4 a day. A great many actors make the Evans House their home while 
in Boston. The proprietor is A. L. Howe, who during the year 1S78 ()])ened 
the Hotel Wellesley at Wellesley, Mass., which has earned such an enviable 
reputation for its lovely situation and good management. 

The Tremont House, corner of Tremont and IJeacon Streets, was the 
pioneer large first-class hotel in America. It was built in 1830, accommo- 
dates 250 persons, and charges #3.50 to $4.00 per day. 

The Crawford House, at the corner of Court and Brattle Streets, is one 
of the most conveniently situated hotels in the city. The original Crawford 
House was opened in r])ecem- 
ber, 1865, by Henry Stumcke, 
the founder of many restau- 
rants and hotels in Boston and 
at Martha's Vineyard. Since 
the house was opened, it has 
been considerably enlarged and 
improved. In 1874 the main 
building of the present Craw- 
ford House was completed. It 
is of brick and stone, five sto- 
ries high, and is owned by the 
National Security Bank, which 
occupies part of the first floor. 
This estate, as well as a large 
part of that adjoining (includ- 
ing the site of the Ouincy 
House), will become the prop- 
erty of Harvard College at the 
expiration, in 1918, of some ^W 
leases that were given for 99 
years. The Crawford House 
is well furnished, and supplied with all modern conveniences. Its comforta- 
ble steam-elevator was put in by the Whittier Machine Company. Its rooms 
have running water, and are heated by steam. As precautions against fire, 
there are stand-pipes and hose on each floor, and several exits from the 
hotel. It accommodates about 200 persons, and is conducted on the Euro- 
pean plan. Its charges for rooms range from $1.00 to #3.00 ])er day. Its 
excellent restaurant is mentioned later in this chapter. The proprietors, 
Henry Stumcke and Henry (Goodwin, have been partners since October, (866. 




Crawford House, Court and Brattle Streets. 



4<S A'/NG'S HANDBOOK' OF BOSTON. 

Other hotels, nearly 150 in number, of various grades, are in almost every 
part of the city. Amonc^ tlie l^etter class in the city proper are the Com- 
monwealth, 1697 Washington Street, kept by Carter & Brugh; the United 
States, Beach and Lincoln Streets, by Barnes. Gill, & Co. ; the Adams 
House, 555 Washington Street, by D. Chamberlin : the Creighton House, 
245 Tremont Street, by William M. Pray; the International Hotel, Wash- 
ington Street (adjoining the Park Theatre), by G. R. Reichardt; the New 
Marlborough Hotel, 736 Washington Street, by P. A. Roberts; .the Sherman 
House, Court Square, by Thomas L. Smith ; and the New-England House. 
Clinton and Blackstone Streets, by J. T. Wilson. In East Boston is the 
Maverick House, Maverick .Square, by Ivory Goodwin; in the Roxbury 
district, the Norfolk House, Eliot Square, by Charles A. Jones ; and in tlie 
Brighton district, the Cattle-Fair Hotel, Washington .Street, by J. I. Nesmith. 

The " French flat" or Continental system of dwellings, sometimes called 
"family hotels," — a single tenement occupying the whole or part of a 
floor, instead of several floors in a house, — gained its foothold in America 
by its introduction in Boston. Before the annexation of the surrounding 
districts, Boston was said to have been the most densely populated citv in 
America, and there was a natural demand for economy in space. The first 
building of the "French flats" or "familv hotel" class was the Hotel 
l^elham, at the corner of Tremont and Boylston Streets, built by Dr. John 
H. Dix about twenty years ago. At the widening of Tremont Street, this 
building was raised up bodily, and moved about twenty feet down Boylston 
Street, without disturbing the occupants, or in the least disarranging the 
interior, — a feat of engineering regarded at the time as most remarkable, 
being the first instance of the moving of such a large mass of masonry. 
This style of dwelling rapidly increased in popularity, and now their num- 
ber is so great that it is hardly practicable to mention them here. They 
range from the most palatial and elegant structures, equally beautiful in 
exterior and interior decorations, to plain and comfortable houses adapted 
for people of moderate means. The greater portion of the costly class 
have passenger-elevators. The price paid for the rent of a dwelling gener- 
ally includes the steam-heat and the service of the janitor, who performs the 
heaviest drudgery. Among the most prominent of these houses are the 
Hotel Pelham. before mentioned; the Hotel Boylston, on the opposite 
corner, owned by Charles Francis Adams ; the Berkeley and the Cluny, on 
Boylston Street; the Vendome, the Hamilton, and the Agassiz, on Common- 
wealth Avenue ; the Huntington, at the corner of Huntington Avenue and 
Dartmouth Street; the Hoffman, the Edinburgh, the Albemarle, and the 
Berwick, on Columbus Avenue ; the Blackstone, fronting on Blackstone 
Square ; in the Roxbury district, the Dartmouth and the Comfort ; and in 
the Charlestown district, the Waverley. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 49 

The Restaurants and Cafes of Boston number nearly 500. Excepting 
those connected with hotels, there are not many worthy of particular men 
tion. As a rule, they furnish good food at reasonable prices, and are well 
kept, and situated in all parts of the city. The cafes of the Parker House, 
Young's Hotel, Revere House, and Tremont House, are frequented by per- 
sons desiring a hasty first-class meal. Of some of the noteworthy restau- 
rants brief sketches are given. 

Whitney's Restaurant and Cafe, 37 to 41 Court Street, is the newest 
and best of its class in Boston. It is a strictly first-class restaurant, with 
prices much below those of its competitors. The furnishing and table- 
service are as neat and tasty as it is possible to have. The ladies' and 
gentlemen's room. No. 41, is exquisitely fitted up, and is resorted to at all 
times by the most fastidious residents and strangers in Boston. The cafe. 
No. 37, is chiefly patronized by professional and business men who want a 
good hasty lunch at a moderate price. For lawyers and city officials, it is 
quite convenient, as it directly faces the front of the County Court House 
and the rear of tiie City Hall. The whole place is so well lighted and 
ventilated, and tlie cooking department is so far removed, that its cheer- 
fulness and cleanliness are a source of admiration. There are also lunch- 
counters and cigar-stands, besides a bar quietly tucked away in the rear 
part of the cafe. Toilet and parcel rooms for ladies and gentlemen, and 
smoking-rooms for gentlemen, are provided with all conveniences. Sydney 
Whitney, the proprietor, is thoroughly competent to conduct the estab- 
lishment, after his long experience, which began 20 years ago in the 
Pearl-street House, that stood on the site of the grand building of the 
Mutual Life-Insurance Company. Mr. Whitney was chief clerk at Young's 
Hotel for many years, and afterwards, until recently, proprietor of the famous 
Whitney's dining-rooms, which, 200 feet from the ground, occupied the three 
upper floors of the lofty Equitable Building. Just as thousands of visitors 
were once attracted by the grand view to Mr. Whitney's former rooms, so 
they are attracted to the present quarters on Court Street, not only by the 
neatness of the interior, but also by the fact of its being one of the best 
places in the city to get a substantial and choice meal at a reasonable price, 
and the only place to obtain a genuine English mutton-cliop. weighing a full 
pound before it is cooked. 

Frost & Dearborn's Restaurant is one of the largest, finest, and most 
popular (lining-saloons in the wholesale district. It is situated at 8 and 10 
Pearl Street, a short distance from Milk Street, and directly opposite the 
Pearl-street entrance to the building of the Mutual Lifp Insurance Company. 
It was opened in 1873 by Samuel E. Kendall and John N. Dearborn, and 
was then known as Kendall's Restaurant. Mr. Kendall will be remembered 
as having kept for a series of years some of the best restaurants that Bos- 



5° 



A'/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



ton has ever had. One of these was under the Old State House, and in its 
day was a rival of Parker's. Another was at 8 Congress Square, where he 
continued for 17 years. This was always patronized by the most prominent 
business men; and, until destroyed by the Great f^ire of 1872, it was con- 
sidered one of the most successful restaurants in Boston. The present 
establishment has, from the time when it was opened, met with that success 
which Mr. Kendall's reputation and experience guaranteed it. In his efforts 
to conduct first-class restaurants, Mr. Kendall was always greatly aided by 
John N. Dearborn and Morrill Frost. Mr. Dearborn, for instance, was 
connected with him for 25 years ; and Mr. Frost was in his employ for many 
years, beginning in 1845 under the Old State House. In 1875 Mr. Kendall 
died ; and Mr. Frost, after being for 21 years the prrprietor of the restaurant 
and news-stand in the Boston & Albany Railroad depot, became associated 
with Mr. Dearborn. From the above it is seen that Messrs. Frost & 
Dearborn have long experience, a good jDrestige, an admirably furnished and 
conveniently situated restaurant, and it only needs to be added that their 
cuisitte is unexcelled in Boston. 

Stumcke & Goodwin's Restaurant is situated at Nos. 9, 1 1, and 13 Brattle 
Street, with entrances also from the Crawford House. It comprises two 
large and beautiful rooms, — one on each of two floors. The lower room is 
for gentlemen, and the upper one for ladies. Each room can seat about 125 
persons. Both of them have black-walnut furniture, and are provided with 
all conveniences usual to first-class restaurants. For ladies there are special 
apartments, with dressing-rooms attached. This restaurant enjoys an ex- 
tensive patronage, its prices being much below those of first-class restau- 
rants. It is conducted in an admirable manner; and its food is always choice, 
excellently prepared, and well served. The ladies' room closes at 9 p.m., 
and the gentlemen's at i a.m. The proprietors are Henry Stumcke and 
Henry Goodwin, who have already been mentioned as the proprietors of the 
Crawford House, with which this restaurant is connected. 

Other Restaurants worthy of mention are those of L. P. Ober, 4 Winter 
Place: A. F. Copeland, 4 Tremont Row and 467 Washington Street; Fred. 
E. Weber, 25 and 27 Temple Place; George Fera, 162 Tremont Street; 
Russell Marston & Co., 17 Brattle Street; Marston & Cunio, 19 School 
Street; D. T. Copeland, 128 Tremont Street; Thomas H. Smith, 9 Ex- 
change Place; Albert Fellner, 129 Federal Street: John D. Gilman, 50 
Summer Street; Isaac M. Learned & Co., 413 Washington Street: Camp- 
bell & Coverly, 233 Washington Street. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 51 



E!}c ^Public Builtimss. 

CITY, COUNTY, STATE, AND UNITED STATES BUILDINGS; 
AND CITY GOVERNMENT. 

THE pride with wlTich tlie Bostonian sliows the pubHc buildings, and 
those devoted to art, literature, and education, is not unreasonable. 
Without exaggeration, it can be said, that no city in the country presents a 
finer or more substantial class of buildings. They are not all imposing, 
and few are "showy;" they are not all of modern style, after one pattern; 
but they are, as a rule, thoroughly and honestly built ; and generally attrac- 
tive and satisfactory, so far as architectural design is concerned, even to 
the educated critic. Some are stately and impressive; othei's have an 
every-day business look about them ; and all are a credit to the city, and to 
those who planned and built them. 

Boston, as a city, owns 293 public buildings, covering more than 100 acres 
of land. Its county buildings are valued at $2,000,000 ; its public buildings, 
so specifically classified, $6,500,000 ; and its school buildings, $7,996,000. 
Several of these buildings return handsome incomes : such as, for instance, 
the Ouincy Market, $83,892 per annum; Faneuil-Hall Market, $22,764; and 
the Old State House, $16,000. The State and National buildings, which 
are grand and costly, are not, of course, included in the above valuations. 

In this chapter we shall give some practical information, concisely put, of 
some of these buildings, and, to a limited extent, of their character, uses, 
and occupants. 

The City Hall, fronting on School Street, is the most elaborate munici- 
pal structure in Boston. It is a very handsome and imposing building, and 
is well adapted to the uses for which it was built. The style of architec- 
ture is the Italian Renaissance, modified and elaborated by the taste of the 
French architects of the last thirty years. The building cost over $500,- 
000, including the furniture and plans for same. The faces of the front 
and west sides are of white Concord granite : those of the Court-square and 
City-hall Avenue facades are of stone from the old City Hall, which stood 
on the same spot. There is a large turfed yard in front, in which stands 
the bronze statue of Franklin by Richard S. Greenough. And shortly 
there will be a corresponding statue of Josiah Quincy, one of the earliest 
and most energetic mayors of Boston. This statue is by Thomas Ball, and 
will be placed in its position in 1879. 



52 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



The first, second, and third stories and the basement of the City Hall 
are fireproof. The floors of the fourth, fifth, and attic stories are of bur- 
netized timber. The roof is of wood, covered with copper and slate. The 
interior finish is principally of butternut and pine. The main entrance 
communicates with the first-story hall, which is paved with squares of black 
and white marble. Thence the fine, broad staircases or the elevator con- 
duct the visitor to the upper stories. The staircases are of iron, witli face 
stringers, newels, rails, and balusters of oak. In the v;all of the first landing 
is a tablet of Sienna and white marble bearing this inscription : — 



c 


t1^ 


HAi^ 


CORNt? 


.1. M. 


' ^^"-^ 1862, 

M' Mi HTM AN, 

MMV(,r. 


DtO 


V. \V. 


SEPr 

-INCOLN, -Jr. 

Mayor. 


G. J. F 


Bryant ni 


il A. Gilmaii, Aruliitccts. 



In the basement are the offices of the lamp department, the inspector 
of buildings, the board of health, the city physician, and the superintend- 
ent of health, besides some police-cells. On the first story are the offices 
of the city treasurer, city collector, auditor of accounts, water-registrar, 
superintendent of police, and the assessors. On the second story is the 
room of the board of aldermen. It is 44 feet square, 26 feet high, well 
lighted and tastefully ornamented. Near by is a lobby with cloak-rooms. 
On the same floor are the offices of the mayor, the city clerk, ^ the city 
messenger, the clerk of committees, the superintendent of public build- 
ings, superintendent of public lands, the city registrar, and a large com- 
mittee-room. On the third story are the offices of the superintendent of 
streets, the superintendent of sewers, the board of fire-commissioners, the 
chief engineer of the fire-department, the superintendent of printing, the 
board of street-commissioners, and the city surveyor. On the fourth story 
is the common-council chamber, 44 by 44 feet, 27 feet high, with galleries on 
three sides, and seats for 250 persons. Adjacent are dressing and committee 
rooms; and on the same floor are the offices of the clerk of the council, .the 



' It is certainly an interesting fact, that since Boston became a city there have been only two city 
clerks, — the first, S. F. McCleary, sen., serving for 30 consecutive years; and the second, his son, S. 
F. McCleary, jiin., serving for the past 27 years. 



KING'S HANDBOOK' OF BOSTON. 



53 




BOSTON CITY HALL. SCHOOL STREET. 



54 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

city engineer, and tlie water-board. On the fifth story is the city architect's 
department, and several store-rooms and watchmen's rooms. The attic, 
under the dome, contains the operating-room of the magnetic fire-alarm 
telegraph, whence alarms are sent out over the wires communicating with 
all the public bells and engine-houses. Near by are sleeping-rooms and a 
library for the operators. Above, in the dome itself, is the battery-room, 
13 by 41 feet in dimensions. The dome is surmounted by a balcony, from 
which rises a flag-staff 200 feet from the ground. Four lions' heads look 
out from the corners of the balcony, and a gilded eagle surmounts the centre 
of its front. 

The legislative power is vested in the mayor, 12 aldermen chosen from 
the city at large, and 72 common councilmen chosen by the 25 wards. The 
executive power is vested in the mayor and aldermen. The term of office of 
the mayor, aldermen, and councilmen is one year; and the election occurs 
annually on the Tuesday after the second Monday of December. The 
departments are severally designated, the assessors', financial, health, regis- 
trar's, water, fire, and police departments. The mayor receives a salary of 
$5,000 a year ; the city and county treasurer, $5,000 ; the collector, $4,000 ; the 
auditor, $5,000; the three members of the board of health, $3,000 each; the 
city physician, $2,700, with $1,100 for his assistant, $900 for the port phy- 
sician, and $850 for his assistant; the superintendent of health, $3,000 and 
horse and carriage; the city registrar, whose main duty is to keep the record 
of births, marriages, and deaths, and grant certificates of intention of mar- 
riage, $2,500; the three water-commissioners, $3,000 each; the city engineer, 
$4,500; the resident engineer of the Sudbury-river water-works, $4,000, with 
$2,800 for the water-registrar, $3,000 for the superintendent of the eastern 
division, and $2,700 for the superintendent of the western ; water-registrar 
Mystic water-works, $2,250, superintendent, $1,600, and engineer, $1,200 : the 
three fire-commissioners, $3,000 each ; chief engineer of the fire-department, 
$3,000; the three police-commissioners, $3,000 each ; the city solicitor, $6,000; 
and the three registrars of voters, $2,500 each. There are many minor offi- 
cials having positions in and about the City Hall, in the various city institu- 
tions, and in care of citv property. The city clerk receives $4,000 a year, 
and has $1 1,600 a year for assistant clerks. The cost of administering the 
affairs of the city has grown rapidly within the past quarter of a century; 
and during the three years preceding 1878 earnest efforts have been made to 
reduce it. The total actual expenses of the city and county in 1877-78, for 
the year ending April 30, were $13,844,051.98, against $14,466,241.69 the 
previous year. 

The Directors for Public Institutions have charge of the House of Indus- 
try, the House of Reformation, the alms-houses situated on islands in the 
harbor, the House of Correction and the Lunatic Hospital at South Boston, 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 55 

the Home for the Poor on Austin Farm, West-Roxbury district, alms- 
house in the Charlestown district, and Marcella-street (Highlands) Home 
for pauper and neglected boys. The superintendent of health has charge 
of the city stables, horses, carts, wagons, etc., necessary for the business of 
keeping the city streets and ways clean, collecting house-offal, etc. The 
Central Charity Bureau building on Chardon and Hawkins Streets, where 
the principal charitable societies have headquarters, and the Temporary 
Home at the corner of Chardon and Bowker Streets, are in charge of the 
Board of Overseers of the Poor. There are twenty public bath-houses, all 
well equipped and supplied. 

The Boston fire-department is one of the most efficient in tiie country; 
and the system of its management is regarded by those well (jualified to 
judge as admirable in every particular. The department is under the direct 
control of the fire-commission, consisting of three members, who are ap- 
pointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council. There is a chief 
engineer, ten assistant-engineers, two call-engineers, and 630 men employed 
in various capacities. The apparatus consists of 29 steam fire-engines, and 
for each a hose-carriage; 11 independent hose-carriages and companies; 7 
chemical engines ; 1 1 hook-and-ladder carriages, four of which carry portable 
extinguishers; and one fire-boat. Belonging to the department are 137 
horses, about 70,000 feet of hose, and 1,000 feet of suction-hose. The 
yearly salaries of the fire-department are about $1,000 per day. There was 
paid out in 1877-8, on account of the whole department, $452,544.37, besides 
$120,930 paid the water-department for water and maintenance of the hy- 
drants. The Boston Protective Department, incorporated in 1874, is under 
the management of the fire-underwriters. It had previously existed as 
an organization supported by voluntary contributions : now, however, the 
money voted for its support can be collected through any of the State 
courts. Two wagons and five permanent men are in service at all times ; 
and call-men, attached to each of the hook-and-ladder carriages in the 
suburbs, are under pay of the department. The right of way and authority 
to enter houses endangered by fire is given by law. The prime object of 
the department is to save property, but it also performs meritorious work 
in saving life. The president of the organization is Henry B. White, secre- 
tary of the Shoe and Leather Insurance Co.; and the treasurer is Charles 
E. Guild. Connected with this department there is a superintendent ; and 
a fire-marshal, also empowered to make investigations into causes of fires 
under certain conditions. The magnetic fire-alarm apparatus cost over 
$100,000. Boston was the first city to adopt the system. Indeed, it origi- 
nated here with Dr. William F. Channing of this city and Moses G. Far- 
mer of Salem. In 1845 Dr. Channing, in a lecture before the Smithsonian 
Institute, Washington, suggested the employment of the telegraph as a 



56 A'/.VG'S HANDBOOK OF BOS VOX. 

means of giving alarms of fire. In 1848 the subject was brought before 
the Boston city government by the mayor, and some exi^eriments tried : 
in 1 85 1 $10,000 was appropriated to test the system, and during the next 
year it was brought into successful operation. It has now in working order 
about 260 miles of wire, 266 signal-boxes in use, 53 striking-machines, 60 
large gongs, 42 small gongs, 60 tappers, 15 vibrators, and other material. 
At various places in the city the hour of noon is struck by the fire-alarm 
telegraph, correct time being furnished by telegraph from the observatory 
of Harvard University. The superintendent of fire-alarms receives $2,300 a 
year, with use of horse and carriage ; there are also employed 4 operators 
and 3 repairers, at $3.75 a day. A constant watch night and day is kept by 
the operators at the chief office, in tl>e dome of the City Hall. The water- 
front is protected by a steam fire-boat, constructed of iron, suj^plied with 
four steam-pumps, high-pressure boiler, and an 8o-horse-power engine, Capa- 
ble of playing eight streams of water at one time. A self-sustaining aerial 
ladder, consisting of 8 sections, each 12 feet long, was purchased in 1876. 
These sections can be joined and the ladder raised in b minutes. 

The police-department, since 1878, is under the control of three commis- 
sioners, each appointed for three years by the mayor, with the approval of 
the city council. The police-force, and the salaries paid, are as follows: 
Superintendent of police, $3,000 a year; deputy superintendent, $2,300 a 
year; chief inspector, $4 a day ; 15 captains, $4 a day each : 10 inspectors, 
$3.50 a day each ; 30 lieutenants, $3,50 a day each ; 37 sergeants, $3.25 a day 
each ; and 611 patrolmen, $3 a day each. These, and the officers connected 
with the local houses of detention and the public buildings, make the whole 
police-force comprise 715 men. There are 15 divisions in the city, each hav- 
ing its own station-house. The i6th division includes the harbor, and has 
charge of the steamboat " Protector," with its men and rowboats. The cost 
of the police-department, and the charges made against it, amounted, in the 
year 1877-78, to $827,865. The police-commissioners are Henry S. Russell, 
Samuel R. Spinney, and Henry Walker ; and the superintendent of 
police is Samuel G. Adams. 

The system for supplying the city with water is elaborate, and the water- 
works form one of the most interesting features. One of the advantages 
of the peninsula which attracted the early settlers was its abundance of pure 
water: the Indian name, Shawmut. it is said signifies '-Living Fountains." 
But early in its history the wants of the town had increased beyond its 
internal resources. As early as 1795 a company was incorporated to intro- 
duce water from Jamaica Pond. In 1845 this company had laid about 15 
miles of pipe, conveying water to nearly 3,000 of the 10,370 houses the city 
then contained. Pipes were at first of pine logs. The elevation of this 
pond, however, was too low to bring the water into the higher portions of 



KING'S HANDBOOK O/-' BOSTON. 



57 




58 KING'S HA^NDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

the city; and its capacity was not sufficient for the portions it did reach. 
For many years the subject of a better sujiply had been agitated ; and at 
length, in the year 1845, Long Pond, or Lake Cochituate as it was afterwards 
called, situated in the towns of Framingham, Natick. and Wayland, about 
twenty miles west from the city proper, was selected. In August of the 
next year ground was formally broken for the new works, by John Ouincy 
Adams and Josiah Ouincy, jun. ; and in 1848 the work was completed. 
But the growth of the city was so great, that in less than twenty years the 
source was insufficient ; and the waters of Sudbury River have been made 
tributary, the city having been given the necessary authority in 1872. The 
extreme length of Lake Cochituate, in a direct line, is three and a half 
miles; and the breadth of the widest part is about 1.800 feet, with a water- 
surface of 800 acres at high-water mark. In addition to the supply in the 
lake, " Dug Pond " containing 44^ acres, and " Dudley Pond " containing 
81 acres, are connected with and form important tributaries to it. The 
whole circuit of the lake, measuring at its verge when within two feet of 
high-water mark, is about 16 miles ; and the city owns an average width of five 
rods around it which is held free from taxation, also one and a quarter acres 
at the outlet of Dudley Ppnd ; the whole line of the water-works extending 
from Lake Cochituate, and continuing through a brick aqueduct, iron pipes, 
and stone tunnel, 14^ miles, to a reservoir in Brookline of about 23 acres 
of water-surface, .and 119,583,960 gallons capacity. The Brookline reser- 
voir is a beautiful structure of irregular, elliptical shape. Another receiv- 
ing reservoir — Chestnut Hill — is situated in the Brighton district, a very 
extensive and attractive work. Its construction was begun in 1865; and 
the city became ijossessed of 2i2| acres of land, costing about f;i2o,ooo, 
before it was finished. It is 5^ miles from the City Hall, and one mile from 
the Brookline reservoir. It is, in fact, a double reservoir, divided by a 
water-tight dam into two basins of irregular shape. Their capacity is 
730,000,000 gallons, and their water-surface 123^ acres. A magnificent 
driveway, varying from 60 to 80 feet in width, surrounds the entire work : 
in some parts the road runs quite close to the embankment, separated from 
it by only a smooth gravelled walk, with green turf on either side. 

The high-service pumping-works are situated in the Roxbury district. 
The Parker-hill reservoir, on Parker Hill, built especially for the high-service 
supply, will hold 7,200,000 gallons above a plane z\ feet above the bottom of 
the outflow pipe. The area of the water-surface when at high-water mark is 
64,033 square feet, and its elevation 219 feet above tide-marsh level. The 
Beacon-hill reservoir, originally built as a distributing reservoir, is now, 
owing to the connection of the Beacon-hill district with the high-service 
works on Parker Hill, used for storage, and is connected with the distrib- 
uting-pipes only in case of fire, or accident to the pumping-mains. It is 



fir/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 59 

situated near the State House, between Temple and Hancock Streets, 
and extends from Derne Street on the north to the rear of Mt. Vernon Street 
on the south. It is built in the most massive style of stone masonry, and 
is the most costly distributing reservoir owned by the city. It covers 
about 37,012 square feet of land, and has a mean horizontal water-section of 
28,014 square feet, and a capacity of 2,678,961 gallons. The South-Boston 
reservoir, on the east side of Telegraph Hill, South Boston, covers, with 
its embankments, an area of about 126,000 square feet. It resembles in 
shape the segment of an ellipse, and has a water-area, when at high-water 
mark, of 70,041 square feet, and a capacity of 7,508,246 gallons. This reser- 
voir is now used in the same manner as the Beacon-hill, and for similar 
reasons. The East-Boston reservoir, on Eagle Hill, East Boston, has a 
water-area, when at high-water mark, of 44,100 square feet, and a capacity 
of 5,591,816 gallons. 

The supply from Lake Cochituate having become inadequate to the 
wants of the city, an act was passed by the Legislature, approved April 8, 
1872, authorizing the taking of the water of Sudbury River, and the construc- 
tion of suitable reservoirs and aqueducts. This work is now practically 
completed. The river above the point where the water is taken has a water- 
shed of about 75 miles. Three dams on the river form storage basins, 
having a capacity of 1,877,000,000 gallons. From the lower basin a brick 
conduit, 4,170 feet long, conveys the water to Farm Pond in Framingham, 
whence another brick conduit, 7 feet 8 inches by 9 feet, having a capacity of 
70,000,000 gallons per day, conveys the water to Chestnut-hill reservoir, — 
a distance of about 16 miles. The main pipes leading from the several re- 
ceiving reservoirs to the city, and the distributing-pipes laid in the city 
proper, East and South Boston, the Highlands, Dorchester, West Roxbury, 
and Brighton districts, aggregate in length 335 miles, varying in size from 
three inches to forty-eight inches in diameter. The gross expenditure on 
account of the Cochituate and Sudbury-river water-works to the city, up to 
the 30th April, 1878, was $32,210,812.35 ; and the net cost, less the revenue, 
is $15,068,924.88. The cost of construction alone was $15,437,576.25. 

Through annexation with Charlestown, the city became possessed of 
the " Mystic Water-works." Mystic Lake, which is the source of supply, 
is situated in the towns of Medford, Arlington, and Winchester, 6i miles 
from Charlestown Square. It has an area of about 200 acres, when flowed 
to the level authorized by the act to take water, and a storage capacity, at 
that level, of 380,000,000 gallons of water. The area of country forming 
the drainage basin is 27.75 square miles. The conduit is 7,453 feet long. 
The reservoir is on Walnut Hill, in Medford, near Tufts College. Its 
water-surface covers an area of \h acres ; being nearly a parallelogram in 
shape, with a length of 560 feet and a width of 350 feet. It is 25 feet in 



6o KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

depth, the top line of bank being three feet above high-water mark. At this 
level its capacity is 26,244,415 gallons. The top water-line is 147 feet above 
high-water level of the harbor. The embankments are laid out with a 
concrete walk. A roadway passes around three sides of the reservoir, at 
the foot of the embankment ; and the grounds about it are handsomely 
laid out. Besides supplying the Charlestown district, the cities of Somer- 
ville and Chelsea, East Boston, and the town of Everett, are also supplied 
from the Mystic works. The whole construction account of the works 
was $1,460,000; and, in making up the account, interest on all the money 
used was charged by the city of Charlestown. The daily consumption of 
water in the city is 22,000,000 gallons from the Cochituate works, and 
8,000,000 gallons from the Mystic-river works. 

The United States Post-office and Sub-treasury building, when com- 
pleted, will be by far the most imposing public edifice in New England. It 
will occupy the square bounded by Water, Devonshire, and Milk Streets, and 
Post-office Square, fronting on the latter. Our frontispiece shows the Post- 
office-square front as it will appear when completed. The portion now 
finished, and which has been occupied since the early part of 1875, is less 
than half the entire structure. 

Efforts to secure a proper post-office building for Boston w^ere begun as 
long ago as President Fillmore's administration ; but they were not success- 
ful until 1867, when a joint resolution of Congress, appointing a commission 
to select a site for a post-office building in Boston, was approved by the pres- 
ident. A year later a site was accepted, and an appropriation made for the 
purchase of the land ; and another year later ground was broken, and the 
work begun. The celebration of the Ia\-ing of the corner-stone was not until 
the first part of the building had been nearly finished to the top of the street 
story. This was on the i6th of October, 1*871. A distinguished company 
Avas present, including President Grant and his cabinet; and the occasion 
was observed as a general holiday. There was a great military and masonic 
procession. The ceremony of laying the stone was performed by William 
Sewall Gardner, grand master of the grand lodge of Massachusetts ; an ora- 
tion was delivered by Postmaster-General Creswell, and an historical address 
was made by Nathaniel B. Shurtleff. On the 9th of November, 1872, the 
building was ready for the roof, when the Great Fire came. By this it was 
damaged to the extent of $175,000, the loss on granite alone being $98,000. 
Two of the pavilions on the Water and Milk Street sides were so defaced 
and chipped by the intense heat that it was necessary to replace them ; and 
the marks of the fire are yet visible on plinths on both these sides. 

The building is in the Renaissance style of architecture, and of Cape 
Ann granite. The Devonshire-street front is 200 feet long. The exterior 
fagades on the three streets reach an average height above the sidewalks of 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 6l 

loo feet, the central portion of each reaching a height of 126 feet. The 
street story of 28 feet, formed by a composition of pilasters and columns 
resting on heavy plinths at the sidewalk level, and crowned with an entabla- 
ture, carries two stories above it, adorned by ornate windows. The roof is 
a solid and ambitious affair of iron, slated, upon iron girders, and presents 
circular dormer windows, in iron frames. The Devonshire facade is sub- 
divided into five compartments by a central projection, flanked by two cur- 
tains finishing at the corners of Water and Milk Streets : and the central 
portion is ornamented with an heraldic figure, an eagle with outspread wings, 
grasping in its talons a shield. 

The post-office occupies the entire ground floor and the basement. 
There is a continuous passage-way across the rear, or east side, from Milk 
to Water Street, with a court-yard for the convenient delivery and receipt of 
mails from the postal wagons. The basement story has a clear height of 
14 feet, and is extended beneath the sidewalk of all three of the thorough- 
fares surrounding the present edifice. The central portion of the first story, 
81 by 43 feet, is for the post-office proper, and is connected with the rear 
court-yard, and lighted from it. All the work is transacted in one grand 
spacious apartment, directly under the eye of the various superintendents. 
This work-hall is 30 feet in height, and 216 by 82 feet in floor area, and is sur- 
rounded on three of its sides by a public corridor, from which it is separated 
by the post-office screen, which contains the box and other deliveries, and 
registry. Surmounting the screen, and covering the corridor, is a mezzanine 
flooring, or gallery, 12 feet wide, opening into the grand work-hall. This is 
enclosed by a metal balcony railing, and is reached from the floor of the hall 
by two flights of stairs. In this gallery are offices, and the letter-carriers' 
department. The postmaster's and cashier's rooms are in the second story. 
The apartments of the sub-treasury occupy the larger portion of the second 
story. " The Marble Cash-room " is in the centre, and is a ver) showy hall, 
forming a parallelogram of about 80 feet in length, 40 in width, and about 
60 in height : its decoration is in the Grecian style which characterizes the 
entire building. The tall pilasters, running 13 feet high, are mounted on 
solid bases, and topped with elaborate worked capitals all of Sicilian marble, 
while the wall-slabbing above and below is of the dark and hght shades of 
.Sienna. The cornices resting on these capitals are of highly enriched frieze, 
with a double row of brackets, and richly ornamented. A galler\', or balcony, 
surrounds the four sides of the room, accessible from the staircase, hall, and 
corridor of the third story. The doors and window-sashes are of solid 
mahogany. Connected with the cash-room are the four fire and burglar 
proof safes. There are also on this floor eight apartments for the sole use 
of the sub-treasury. In other portions of the upper stories are the pension 
and internal-revenue offices. In the basement is the money-order depart- 



62 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

ment. The tiled halls and corridors on these floors are broad and lofty, 
and the stairways are spacious and easy. 

The completion of the building by the erection of the second section has 
been delayed by the difficulties encountered in gaining possession of the 
land. Congress agreed to make an additional appropriation of 1.750,000, on 
condition that the streets surrounding the building should be widened, — for 
which the fire had somewhat paved the way, — both to improve the appear- 
ance of the building and to give additional protection against fire. This 
widening was strenuously opposed by certain property-owners. The neces- 
sary legislation, however, was secured, and the appropriation made. Then 
another serious obstacle appeared. The owners of the land set such a high 
price upon it that it could not be considered. At length the courts were 
appealed to ; and the price awarded, though considered high, was accepted, 
and the work of building the second portion was begun. It is now progress- 
ing rapidly. When completed, the post-office work-room will be extended, 
covering the basement and street floor of the entire building, the court-yard 
being covered and separating the two wings ; the jDostmaster's room will be 
removed to the street floor on the Post-office Square front; and the money- 
order department, now crowded into a rather dark corner on the Milk-street 
side, will have well-lighted and spacious quarters on the corner of Post-office 
Square and Milk Street. The, United States court-rooms and offices will be 
on the second floor of the new wing; and the internal-revenue department 
will be moved from the present wing into the new. 

The cost of the entire work, when the extension is completed, it is esti- 
mated will be between four and five millions. Up to the fall of 1878 about 
three millions had been expended. The cost of the land was $865,000 : the 
portion for the extension over which there was so much controversy, settled 
finally by the Supreme Court, cost about $41 1,000. 

The present is the first post-office building in the city owned by the 
government. For most of the time previous to the Revolution the office 
was in that part of Washington Street formerly known as Cornhill, between 
Water Street and the present Cornhill. During the siege of Boston the 
post-office was removed to Cambridge. After the evacuation by the British, 
the office was returned to the east side of Washington Street, near State. 
Later it was removed to State Street, in a building originally the site of the 
first meeting-house erected in Boston. It was moved several times during 
the next thirty years, tarrying for a while in the Old State House, and 
bringing up finally in the Merchants' Exchange building on State Street, 
where it was burnt out in the Great Fire, though all the valuable matter was 
safely removed. A resting-place was found in Faneuil Hall ; and a few 
weeks afterwards the Old South Church was re-arranged, and here the post- 
office remained until the completion of the present building. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 63 

During the Revolution, Tuthill Hubbard was postmaster of Boston, under 
Benjamin Franklin and John Foxcroit, who were the last deputy postmasters 
for North America under foreign appointment. Hubbard was succeeded by 
Jonathan Hastings, who remained in office until 1809. Other postmasters 
were. Aaron Hill, appointed in 1809; Nathaniel Greene, 1829; William 
Hayden, 1849; George W. (Gordon, 1852; Edwin C. Bailey, 1854; Nahum 
Capen, 1858; John G. Palfrey, 1861 ; William L. Burt, 1867; and Edward S. 
Tobey, 1876, who is the present incumbent. The following statistics for 
nine months, from January to October inclusive, of 1878, show the enormous 
business conducted at the post-office. The delivery consisted of 7,432,781 
mail-letters, 1,602,621 mail-postal-cards, 3,343,495 local letters, 1,625,080 local 
postal-cards, 3,918,335 newspapers, and 35,445 returned letters. The col- 
lections amounted to 10,626,402 letters, 2,896,892 postal-cards, and 1,378,773 
newspapers. 

The United States Court House, corner of Tremont Street and Temple 
Place, looks more like a church than a court-house. It was, in fact, built for 
a Masonic Temple in 1832. The walls are of Ouincy granite; and there are 
two towers 16 feet square and 95 feet high, surmounted by battlements and 
pinnacles. There are five stories, and the rooms are lighted by long arched 
windows. A view of this building is shown in connection with St. Paul's 
Church, in the chapter on " The Soul of the City." 

The United States Navy Yard, in tiie Bunker-hill district, is on the point 
of land formerly known as Morton's Point, at the junction of the Charles 
and Mystic Rivers. It comprises over eighty acres of land, and is enclosed 
on the land side by a high stone wall. On the water-front are several 
wharves and a substantial sea-wall. The granite dry-dock, 341 feet long, 
80 feet wide, and 30 feet deep, which was opened in 1833, and cost over 
$677,000, is worthy of notice. The first vessel docked here was the old 
frigate "Constitution." There is a quaint museum called the "Naval Li- 
brary and Institute," a granite rope-walk 1,361 feet long, machine-shops 
capable of giving employment to about 2,000 men, buildings for the storage 
of timber and naval stores, ship-houses, marine barracks, a magazine and 
arsenal, a parade-ground, parks for cannon and shot, and dwelling-houses for 
the commandant and various officers of the yard. Passes are issued to 
visitors on application at the gate. The yard was established by the gov- 
ernment in 1800, when the land cost only $40,000. Several large vessels of 
the old navy were built here, including the "Vermont," "Virginia," " Inde- 
pendence," and " Cumberland." 

The Boston State House, " the hub of the solar system " according to Dr. 
Holmes, stands on tlie summit of Beacon Hill, the most commanding situation 
in the city, on a lot which was formerly Gov. Hancock's cow-pasture, bounded 
now bv Beacon Street on the south. Mount Vernon Street on the east and 



64 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



north, and Hancock Avenue on the west. The corner-stone was laid in r795, 
and the oration was deHvered by Gov. Samuel Adams. The customary 
Masonic ceremonies were conducted by Paul Revere, grand master. The ori- 
ginal cost of the building was over $133,000, but several expensive additions 
and improvements have since been made. The south side was added in 1852 ; 
and the dome was gilded in 1874, producing a fine effect. The building was 




The State House, Beacon Street. 



first occupied by the " Great and General Court " in 1798, when the Old State 
House was abandoned. The building is oblong, measuring 173 by 61 feet. 
Its height, including the dome, is no feet, and the lantern is about 220 feet 
above the sea-level. Bronze statues of Horace Mann by Emma Stebbins, 
and of Daniel Webster by Hiram Powers, and two fountains, ornament 
the turfed terrace in front of the building. The main entrance is reached by 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 65 

a succession of stone terraces from Beacon Street, and leads into the Doric 
Hall. This hall contains the remnants of the Hags carried by Massachusetts 
soldiers in tlie civil war. Here also are exhibited copies of the memorial 
tablets of the Washington family in England, given to the State by Charles 
Sumner; tablets taken from the old Revolutionary monument that stood on 
Beacon Hill before the State House was built; and guns that formerly 
belonged to the Concord minute-men, recalling the days of 1775. Thomas 
Ball's marble statue of Gov. John A. Andrew is considered a work of 
great artistic merit ; and Chantrey's statue of Washington, wrapped in a 
military cloak, should be noticed. In Doric Hall are also busts of Samuel 
Adams, Abraham Lincoln, Charles Sumner, and Henry Wilson. The Hall 
of Representatives, in the centre of the building, is the largest room in the 
State House, and accommodates 500 members. Visitors are admitted to 
the gallery during the sessions. The ancient codtish still hangs from the 
centre of the ceiling, an emblem of the bygone importance of the cod to 
the State, "which has been," says Drake, "a greater source of wealth than 
the mines of California." The same fish hung in the old hall in State Street, 
but was taken down, and not restored till after the peace, when it was again 
and has ever since been displayed before the assembled wisdom of the Com- 
monwealth. The Senate Chamber is at the east end of the building, and 
is 60 by 50 feet. It contains some portraits of dignitaries and a few relics. 
At the west end of the building is a large room for the meetings of the 
governor and council, and the offices of the governor and other State 
officers. On the north side, in the fireproof addition, is the State library, 
88 by 37 feet in dimensions, 36^ feet high, with galleries and alcoves, and con- 
taining over 40,000 volumes. This portion of the capitol also contains various 
committee rooms ; and the fireproof rooms in the basement are devoted to 
the preservation of State archives. There is a very complete agricultural 
library; and the State cabinet contains some valuable specimens of rocks, 
minerals, and fossils, birds, animals, insects, and shells. For the sake of 
the view, which is very extensive, and gives a good general idea of the 
topography of the city, visitors to the number of about 50,000 per annum 
climb the 170 steps leading to the cupola that surmounts the gilded dome, 
which rises 30 feet from its pediment, and is 50 feet in diameter. The 
cupola is free to visitors when the legislature is not in session; and below 
there is a register wherein strangers should enter their names. 

The Old State House, at the head of State Street, although standing, 
has been altered so much that only an indication of the original appearance 
is left. Like the Old South Church, and the half-dozen other old historic 
landmarks, it is threatened by the march of business. 

Few Bostonians know how many stirring associations are connected with 
this ancient edifice, which was built in 1748 to replace its burned predeces 



66 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

sor. The site was that of the earliest market-place of the town. The first 
wooden Town House was built here in 1657, burned in 171 1, rebuilt a year 
later, and again burned in 1747. It was after the Revolution that the present 
building became the quarters of the General Court of the Commonwealth, 
as well as of the town officials. Aftef the town became a city, the Old State 
House became also the City Hall. It was damaged by fire in 1832. In 
1798 the legislature moved to the New State House on Beacon Hill. It 
has not only been the Town House, City Hall, and State House, but also 
the quarters of the courts and the legislature of the Colony and of the Pro- 
vincial council. It was in 1768 a barrack for British troops, in 1838 the 
United States Post-office, and for many years the Merchants' Exchange. 
The convention that ratified the United States Constitution met here before 
adjourning to the Federal-street Church. The Boston Massacre occurred 
in front of its doors. In the Old State House, according to Samuel Adams, 
"Independence was born." The news of the death of George II. and the 
accession of George 111., and in 1776 the Declaration of Independence, 
were read from the balcony. During the stamp-act excitement the mob 
burned stamped clearances in front of the building. Gens. Howe, Clinton, 
and Gage held a council of war in the building before the battle of Bunker 
Hill. In 1778 the Count d'Estaing was here received by Gov. Hanoock ; 
here the constitution of the State was planned; from the balcony, in 1789, 
Washington received an ovation from the people, and reviewed a long pro- 
cession. The steeple, or tower, was formerly higher than it is at present ; 
and where the clock now is, on the east front, was once a sun-dial. At each 
end of the edifice were carved figures of the lion and the unicorn. In the 
17th century the whipping-post and the stocks were near by. For many 
years the building has been used for business purposes, and now contains 
the offices of many firms : among those on the easterly front are the offices 
of the Springfield Fire and Marine Insurance Co. of Springfield, Mass.; 
the Meriden Fire Insurance Co. of Meriden, Conn.; and the Security In- 
surance Co. of New Haven, Conn. The Springfield, which has had its 
branch office in the Old State House for the past 27 years, has suffered 
severely by the great conflagrations at Troy, Portland, Me., Chicago, 
and Boston. Its losses have always been promptly paid, and to-day 
its gross assets exceed in amount those of any other company chartered 
by our own Commonwealth. The Meriden in 1878 added $100,000 to its 
capital. The Security, since its incorporation in 1841, has been a successful 
company. Reed & Brother are the only representatives that these com- 
panies have had in this city. On the same front is the office of the Conti- 
nental Insurance Co. of New York, one of the strongest fire-insurance com- 
panies in the United States. Incorporated in 1852 with a cash capital of 
$500,000, it has prospered until to-day its gross assets are over $3,000,000. 



KING'S HANDhOOK OF BOSTON. 



67 




68 



A'/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTOIV. 



The Continental paid for losses $500,000 in the Boston tire, and $1,750,000 
in the Chicago tire. This company was the first to submit to the provisions 
of the New-York Surplus Law, and now applies all its profits to increase its 
surplus. In the same office with the Continental is the Howard Insurance 
Co. of New York, organized in 1825. Both companies are managed in this 
city by Albert Bowker, the President of the North-American Insurance Co. 
of Boston. These three companies, with aggregate assets exceeding 
$4,000,000, have had a local patronage of the choicest and most profitable 
kind, extending over a period of from a quarter to a half century each. 
The office of Mr. Bowker has been in the Old State House for the past 28 
years. On the Washington-street front is the ofiice of the Fall-River line, 
the proprietors of the " Bristol " and " Providence," — the finest side-wheel 
steamers afloat. 

The Custom House, at the corner of State and India Streets, is a huge 
granite building in the form of a Greek cross, in the Doric style of architec- 
ture, which was begun in 1837 and finished in 1847. It is 140 feet long, 75 

^ __ feet wide at the ends, and 

95 feet through the centre, 
and rests upon 3,000 piles, 
over which a platform of 
granite 18 inches thick is 
laid in hydraulic cement. 
The structure cost the 
United States government 
over $1,000,000. A fiat 
dome, with a skylight 25 
feet in diameter, surmounts 
the building, and is 95 feet 
from the floor. 32 fluted 
granite columns, weighing 
42 tons eacli, surround the 
edifice. The roof and dome are covered with wrought granite tiles. The 
main floor is occupied by the offices of the collector, deputy-collectors, and 
various clerks employed in the customs service. There is a large rotunda, 
63 by 59 feet in dimensions, and 62 feet high, in the Grecian Corinthian 
style. The ceiling is supported by 12 marble columns, 3 feet in diameter 
and 29 feet high. On the entrance-floor are the offices of the naval officer, 
surveyor, cashier, and a deputy-collector having in charge the entrance, 
clearance, and register of vessels, etc. There is also a large hall in the 
centre of this floor. The cellar is used for the storage of goods. The 
building is fireproof tlirougliout. 




The Custom House, State Street. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 69 

The County Court House, fronting on Court Street, stands by itself; 
the avenues along its sides, and in the rear, being known as Court Square. 
It is a solid, gloomy-looking, granite building. It was completed in 1836, 
and cost about $180,000. It is 176 by 54 feet, and has three stories and a 
basement. The Court-street front has a Doric portico, supported by four 
columns of fluted granite weighing 25 tons each. Many of the county and 
city courts are held here, such as the supreme judicial court, the superior 
court, the court for juvenile offenders, and the municipal court. On the 
second floor is the Social Law Library, referred to in the chapter on libra- 
ries. In the basement is the city "lock-up" for temporary accommodation 
of prisoners. In the autumn of 1878 steps were taken by tlie city govern- 
ment towards building a new court-house. 

The Jail for the County of Suffolk, on Charles Street, near the foot of 
Cambridge Street, presents an imposing appearance, especially to one ap- 
proaching the city by the Cambridge, or West-I3oston Bridge. It was 
completed in 1851, and cost more than $500,000. It consists of a centre 
octagonal building, with four wings radiating from the centre. Three of 
these wings enclose the cells of the prison, and the other is occupied as 
the sheriff's residence and offices. The exterior is of Ouincy granite. The 
jail is in charge of Sheriff John M. Clark. 

The Probate Office was in a jilain brick building, now occupied by the 
probate court, on the west side of Court Square, close to the City Hall. In 
1872 the quarters were removed to the lower floor of the new fireproof 
building of the Massachusetts Historical Society, thus giving them an en- 
trance at 32 Tremont Street. The probate office was established in 1636. 
The first year there were 2 cases, and the second year 5. There were 69 
in the year 1700, and 166 in the year 1800. There are now about 1,500 new 
cases a year; and since the establishment of the office there have been 
62,500 cases. It is estimated that the entire wealth of Boston passes 
through the office about once in thirty years. Since Sept. i, 1878, the busi- 
ness of the insolvency court has been done in connection with the probate 
court, the repeal of the United States bankruptcy laws reviving the old 
insolvency laws of the State. The judge of probate and insolvency is John 
W. McKim, who was appointed in March, 1877. The register of probate 
and insolvency is Elijah George, who has held the office since April 3, 1S77. 
The assistant register is John H. Paine ; and the clerk of register James L. 
Crombie. The judge of probate and insolvency is appointed by tiie gov- 
ernor. The register of probate and insolvency is elected by the people to 
serve for five years. 

The Registry of Deeds for Suffolk County is on the floor above the 
probate court and probate office. The whole number of instruments re- 
corded in the year ending Oct. I, 1878, was 19,371. Of these, I2,6l8 were 



70 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

deeds, and 6,753 related to various other matters connected with real estate. 
The total number of pages occupied by these documents was 56,396. The 
register of deeds is Thomas F. Temple. 

The Correctional Institutions are conspicuous objects on Deer and 
Rainsford Islands, in the harbor. The House of Industry is a large brick 
building, well arranged for the purpose for which it was built. The House 
of Reformation for Girls, near by, is of wood ; and there is also, in the 
group, a brick schoolhouse for truant boys, a brick workshop and receiving- 
house, and other buildings. The pauper institutions — different buildings 
for males, women, and girls — are also on these islands. The House of 
Correction at South Boston is an elaborate building, thoroughly equipped, 
and has a steam-engine of twenty-horse power in its workshop; and adjoin- 
ing the House of Correction is a Lunatic Hospital. For the year ending 
April 30, 1878, the cost to the city of the House of Industry was $177,527, 
and its income $9,548; cost of the House of Correction, $89,942, and in- 
come $26,212; and cost of the Lunatic Hospital, $51,937, and income $6,356. 

The forts in the harbor, the property of the United States government, 
are three in number : — 

Fort Warren is the lowest fort in the harbor, situated at its entrance, 
on George's Island. It has been built since 1850. Its stone work is of 
granite, and it has a comely and substantial appearance. During the war of 
the Rebellion it was especially used for the confinement of Confederate 
prisoners. Among the most distinguished of the latter were Mason and 
Slidell, the Confederate commissioners to England, captured on board " The 
Trent " by Commodore Wilkes. 

Fort Independence is on Castle Island, nearer the city, almost opposite 
South-Boston Point. This island has been fortified since 1634. Castle 
William, which stood here when the Revolution broke out, was fired by the 
retiring British, on the evacuation of Boston, and entirely destroyed. The 
name Fort Independence was given to the fortifications here in 1798. 

Fort Winthrop is on Governor's Island, opposite Fort Independence. 
It is but partly built, work having been suspended while Jefferson Davis 
was secretary of war, before the breaking-out of the Rebellion. It was 
intended to be the strongest fortification in the harbor. The island was sold 
to the government in 1808, to be fortified; and the first fortification here 
was called Fort Warren. 



JC/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 71 



Cfje iLungs of tije Citg. 

BOSTON COMMON, PUBLIC GARDEN, PARKS, SQUARES, MONU- 
MENTS, STATUES, AND FOUNTAINS. 

THE need of a grand public park, or series of parks, of generous propor- 
tions and on an elaborate scale, has long been felt; and the question of 
establishing such parks has been agitated for several years. In 1869 the 
subject was brought formally before the city government, but no action 
reached. Feb. 17, 1874, a commission, consisting of the mayor, two alder- 
men, three councilmen, and three citizens at large, was appointed to con- 
sider the question ; and on the 25th of November they reported in favor 
of laying out a park in some part of the territory between Arlington Street 
and Parker's Hill, in the Roxbury district, and also of a series of parks 
of moderate size between the third and fourtli mile circles of the city. On 
this report no action was taken by the city council, owing to the lateness 
of the season. The next year an act was obtained from the Legislature, 
granting the city leave to purchase land for a park or parks. This act was 
accepted by the people ; and three commissioners were appointed to locate, 
under certain conditions, one or more parks. This commission simply 
recommended a series of parks in different sections of the city, to be con- 
nected by a park road. Owing to the depression in business, nothing 
further was done in the matter until 1S77, when the city council authorized 
the park commissioners, under whose charge all the city parks and public 
grounds will probably be placed, to purchase not less than one hundred 
acres of land or flats in the Back-bay district, at a cost of not over ten cents 
a foot, for the establishment of a public park. At the same time a loan of 
$450,000 was authorized to meet the purchases. In February, 1878, the 
commissioners were authorized to make further expenditures for the same 
park; $16,000 more being appropriated for land, and $25,000 for filling, 
grading, surveying, and laying out. The park will be bounded on all sides 
by public avenues, and will occupy a portion of the area between Beacon 
Street, Brookline Avenue, Longwood Avenue, and Parker Street, with 
entrances from each. The beginning of this park is regarded as a long 
stride towards the much-desired series of magnificent parks, which will add 
greatly to the beauty, health, and enjoyment of an already beautiful and 
healthful metropolis. The next move, it is expected, will be the improve- 
ment of the strip of flats known as the Charles-river embankment, begin- 



72 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



ning from Leverett Street, and extending along the border of Charles 
River to Cottage-Farm Station, a distance of nearly 2| miles, with an 
average width of 200 feet. Mayor Pierce, in his inaugural address in 1878, 
advocated immediate action towards the laying-out of this embankment. 

The Boston Common, of which the people of Boston are justly proud, 
is a natural park, whose undulating surface, covered with green grass and 
shaded by over 1,000 fine old elm-trees, forms a scene of rare rural beauty 
in the very centre of the busy city. There is scarcely a foot of the forty- 
eight acres in its area that is not endeared to the Bostonian by some jDer- 
sonal or historic association. There are five malls, or broad walks, bordered 
with noble trees; and these are known as the Tremont-street, Park-street, 
Beacon-street, Charles-street, and Boylston-street malls. The Beacon-street 
mall is the most beautiful. The entire Common is surrounded by an iron 
fence, 5,932 feet in length. On the Tremont-street side there is a low iron 
fence, with numerous entrances. The objects of special interest in the 

Common are nu- 
merous. On Flag- 
staff Hill is the 
great Soldiers' and 
Sailors' Monument, 
described in this 
chapter. Near the 
Park-street mall is 
the Brewer Foun- 
tain, which was pre- 
sented to the city 
by the late Gardner 
Brewer. It was 
cast in Paris, and 
is a bronze copy 
of a fountain de- 
signed by Lienard 
of that city. At 
the base there are 
figures represent- 
ing Neptune and 
Amphitrite, Acis 
and Galatea. The 
Frog Pond, a picturesque sheet of water near Flag-staff Hill, adds much 
to the beauty of the Common. On special occasions a fine jet of water 
is made to play near the east end of the pond. Near the Boylston- 
street mall is a deer-park, enclosed by a high wire grating, where a con- 




The Frog Pond, Boston Common. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



73 




74 A'/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

tented family of deer can be seen grazing. The Central burying-ground, 
referred to in the chapter on cemeteries, adjoins the deer-park. The 
portion of the Common between Flag-staff Hill and the Charles-street mall 
is used as a parade-ground by the State militia. It was formerly used as 
a play-ground for the boys. Near the " long walk " from Joy Street to 
Boylston Street there is a band-stand, where on summer evenings free 
open-air concerts are given at the city's expense. There are over 200 
benches and several drinking-fountains in various parts of the grounds. 
During the warm weather the children find much delight in the Punch-and- 
Judy show, the camera obscura, etc., on the Tremont-street mall, near the 
West-street gate. The Old Elm which stood near the "long walk," at the 
foot of Flag-staff Hill, was in its day considered the '' oldest inhabitant " 
of Boston. It was a tree of unknown age, and was believed to have stood 
there before the settlement of the town in 1630. It was already decrepit 
as long ago as 1755. It was over 72 feet high, and measured 22^ feet in 
circumference one foot above the ground. After resisting many a storm, 
it was blown down in the winter of 1876. An iron fence surrounds the spot 
where it stood, and where now a shoot bids fair to flourish in its place, 
and thus perpetuate the line of family descent. The history of Boston 
Common is full of interest. When the city charter was drawn up, a clause 
was inserted making the Common public property forever, and placing it 
beyond the power'of the city either to sell or give away. The original 
use to which tlie land was put was for a pasture of cattle, and for a 
parade-ground of the military. It was called Centry Field, and in 1640 
embraced the land east of Park Street as far as the Tremont House, and 
was bounded by the water of the Charles River, where Charles Street 
now is, on the west. On the Tremont-street side it extended to where 
Mason Street now is. Before the Revolution it was enclosed by a wooden 
fence. Drake, in his entertaining " Landmarks of Boston," recalls the 
fact that a part of the forces that captured Louisburg assembled on the 
Common ; the troops that conquered Quebec were recruited here by Am- 
herst; it was the mustering-place for the conflicts which ushered in the 
American Revolution, and the fortified camp which held the beleaguered 
town in subjection. It is associated with the deep horrors of the witch- 
craft executions, and with the eloquence of Whitefield. From the foot of 
the Common the British troops embarked for Lexington the night before 
April 19, 1775. On the Common were arrayed the British forces engaged at 
Bunker Hill before they crossed the river. In the dreary winter of i775-'76 
there were over 1,700 red-coats behind their earthworks on the Common, 
waiting for Washington to attack the town. On Flag-staff Hill was a 
square redoubt; near the Frog-pond was a powder-house. Trenches were 
made all along the water-front, where on sunny afternoons the pensive 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 75 

tramp now slumbers on the benches of the Charles-street mall. Other 
reminiscences of past events with which the Common is associated will 
readily occur to the reader. During the British occupation, Gen. Gage 
was successfully appealed to by the Boston boys in behalf of their right of 
coasting on the Common, — a right which is still enjoyed. In 1728 Henry 
Phillips, a nephew of Peter Fancuil, killed Benjamin Woodbridge in a duel 
with rapiers, near the Old Elm ; the quarrel arising from a love-affair. In 
1766 the repeal of the Stamp Act was brilliantly celebrated on the Common, 
which was also the scene of a great celebration in 1848, when the Cochituate 
water was first introduced into the city. 

The Public Garden is an improvement of comparatively recent date, 
though long ago contemplated. Nearly all the work of beautifying it has 
been done within the past fifteen years. It was marsh-lands and f^ats a 
hundred years ago. For twenty years, from 1795 or thereabouts, the terri- 
tory was occupied by five long rope-walks. The town granted the lands, 
rent free, to the rope-makers, after the destruction of their buildings in Pearl 
and Atkinson (now Congress) Streets by fire, in 1794, for two reasons, — to 
prevent the erection of buildings in a district they endangered, and to help 
the crippled proprietors. When, in 18 19, these rope-walks, in turn, were 
burned, the holders decided not to rebuild, but to cut up the territory into 
building-lots, and sell it for business and dwelling purposes ; its value having 
been greatly enhanced by the opening of Charles Street in 1804, and the 
Mill-dam project then under way. which, when completed, would convert the 
marshes and flats into dry lands. The territory then commanded a beautiful 
view of the Charles and its shores beyond; and the idea of transforming it 
into a pubhc garden was conceived. The people strongly objected to the 
rope-makers' scheme, and in 1824 decided, by a popular vote, that the lands 
should not be sold for building ])urposes ; and the city, by paying $50,000, 
the sum awarded by referees, to whom the rope-makers' claim was referred, 
regained possession of the territory which the town had given away. The 
agitation for buildings and residences on this territory still continued, how- 
ever; and it was not until 1859 that the question was settled finally, by act 
of the Legislature and vote of the city. The Public Garden now is one of 
the most attractive spots in the city. While the Common is a park of stately 
trees and broad walks, this is, precisely as its name indicates, a public gar- 
den, with dainty flower-beds, plants, shrubbery, grass-plats, stretches of 
closely-clipped lawns, and narrow winding gravel paths. In its midst is a 
pretty pond, irregularly laid out; and in the summer-time this is bright with 
gayly-canopied pleasure-boats. An iron bridge, with granite piers and 
imposing design, spans it ; and the winding walks along its margin, and the 
seats under the few large trees near its brink, are much sought on pleasant 
afternoons. Near the central path, from the Arlington-street entrance 



76 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



across the bridge to Charles Street, is the most interesting fountain in 
the garden. It is so arranged that it throws a fine spray over and about 
a small and graceful statue of Venus rising from the Sea, producing a 
very pleasing effect. There are also several other statues, which will be 
described farther on in this chapteT. The area of the Public Garden is 
about 24I acres ; and it is bounded by Charles, Boylston. Arlington, and 
Beacon Streets. 




The Public Garden. View from Boylston Street. 

Other parks in the city proper are small, and are frequented chiefly by 
residents in their immediate neighborhood. At the South End are Franklin 
Square, on the east side of Washington Street, bounded by Washington, 
James, East Brookline, and East Newton Streets ; and Blackstone Square, 
on the west side of Washington Street, bounded by Washington, West 
Brookline, West Newton Streets, and Shawmut Avenue. Both are enclosed 
by good iron fences, and are beautified with trees. Each has a fountain, 
and contains about 2f acres. Worcester Square, between Washington 
Street and Harrison Avenue, and Union Park, between Tremont .Street 
and Shawmut Avenue, each containing over ^ of an acre; and Chester 
Square, between Tremont Street and Shawmut Avenue, containing about 
1 3 acres, — are modest parks, the last the most extensive and ambitious in 
its adornments, with roadway on each side lined with fine residences, 
some of them quite elegant in appearance, and costly. In the centre of 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



77 



S < 



n > 



z ^ 




78 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON 



Chester Park are a beautiful fountain and a fish-pond : and the place is much 
frequented by the pretty children and trim nursery-maids of the neighbor- 
hood. At the West End, on Cambridge, corner of Lynde Street, in front 
of the West Church, is a bit of a park, old-fashioned, with trees and 
shrubbery well-grown, known as Lowell Square. At the junction of Tremont, 
^ _^^ Clarendon, and Montgom- 

ery Streets, is an open space 
called Montgomery Square. 
Throughout the length of 
Commonwealth Avenue will 
be a strip of park land, 
beautifully adorned with 
trees and shrubbery, and 
ornamented with statues 
and fountains. 

In South Boston are two 
attractive parks, especially 
noteworthy for the superb 
views they command of the 
city and the harbor. One, 
on Telegraph Hill, is known 
as Thomas Park : and the 
other, on Broadway, Second, 
M, and N Streets, is called 
Independence Square. The first contains about 4^ acres, and the second 
6^ acres. There is also, bounded by Emerson, Fourth, and M Streets, a 
small park called Lincoln Square. The largest squares in East Boston are 
Central Square, at Meridian and Border Streets, containing | of an acre ; 
and Belmont Square, bounded by Webster, Sumner, Lamson, and .Seaver 
Streets, of almost the same area. These are enclosed by iron fences, and 
their paths are well shaded. Other squares in East Boston are Putnam 
Square, located at Putnam, White, and Trenton Streets ; Prescott Square, 
at Trenton, Eagle, and Prescott Streets ; and Maverick Square, at Sumner 
and Maverick Streets. 

Through annexation Boston became possessed of several local parks 
and squares, which had received much attention from the old municipali- 
ties. Some of these have been further improved since annexation, and 
all have received the same care bestowed upon the parks and squares 
of the city proper. In the Roxbury district, the largest is Washington 
Park, at Dale and Bainbridge Streets, containing more than 9 acres. 
Other parks in this district are Orchard Park, at Chadwick, Orchard-park, 
and Yeoman Streets, containing over 1 acres ; Longwood Park, at Park 




Fountain, Blackstone Square. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 79 

and Austin Streets, about h an acre ; Walnut Park, between Washington 
Street and Walnut Avenue ; Bromley Park, from Albert to Bickford Streets ; 
Lewis Park, Highland and New Streets ; and Linwood Park, Centre and 
Linwood Streets. Madison Square, situated at Sterling, Marble, Warwick, 
and Westminster Streets, includes nearly 3 acres ; and Fountain Square, 
Walnut Avenue, from Monroe to Townsend Streets, embraces about 2^ 
acres. Around the stand-pipe of the Cochituate Water-works, on the " Old 
Fort " lot, between Beech-glen and Fort Avenues, is a little park tastefully 
laid out. 

In the Dorchester district the principal park, or square as it is called, is 
on Meeting-house Hill, one of the landmarks in this historic section of the 
present city. Here stands the soldiers' monument. On the top of the hill 
known as Mount Bovvdoin is a square, pleasantly laid out; and at Church 
and Bowdoin Streets is Eaton Square. 

In the Charlestown district the largest park, or square, is near " The 
Neck." It is bounded by Main, Cambridge, Sever, and Gardner Streets ; 
contains about i^ acres enclosed by an iron fence, and is known as Sulli- 
van Square. In Winthrop Square, containing about ^ of an acre, bounded 
by Winthrop, Common, and Adams Streets, is situated the soldiers' and 
sailors' monument. One of the oldest squares, at the head of Bow, Main, 
and Chelsea Streets, is City Square, which, like the others, is enclosed by 
an iron fence, and is trim and inviting in appearance. 

The only park in the Brighton district is called Jackson Square. It is 
pleasantly situated on Chestnut-hill Avenue, Union, and Winship Streets, 
and is enclosed by a stone curb. The walks and drives about the Chestnut- 
hill Reservoir, elsewhere described, are also much enjoyed by the residents 
of this district. 

Boston is richer than most American cities in works of art exposed in 
her public ways and parks, though not so rich as she ought to be, and will 
probably be in the course of a few years. The finest i^iece of statuary in 
the city, displayed out of doors, is — 

The Equestrian Statue of Washington, by Thomas Ball, which is placed 
in the Public Garden, at the Arlington-street entrance, opposite Common- 
wealth Avenue. It is said to be the largest piece of its kind in America. 
The movement for its erection began in the spring of 1859. The first sub- 
stantial contribution to the fund was from the receipts of an oration by 
Robert C. Winthrop in the Music Hall that year ; and, in November follow- 
ing, a great fair for its benefit was held with gratifying success. The city 
appropriated $10,000; and $5,000 of the surplus money of the Everett statue 
fund, given after the completion of that work, brought the fund up to the 
required amount. The contract with Ball was made in 1859, ^^'^ ^^^^ years 



8o 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



after he had completed the model: but, owing to the war, the casting was 
delayed; and it was not until 1869, on the 3d of July, that the statue was in 
place and unveiled. It was regarded as a matter for special congratulation, 
and not a little boasting, that all the work upon it was done by Massachu- 
setts artists and artisans. The height of the statue is 22 feet, and with the 
pedestal reaches 38 feet. The foundation is of solid masonry, resting on 
piles eleven feet deep ; and the pedestal itself is a line piece of work. 

The Daniel Webster Statue, in the State-House grounds, facing Beacon 
Street, is of bronze, by Hiram Powers. It was the second of Webster 
executed by the sculptor, the first having been lost at sea while being 
brought from Leghorn. 

The Horace Mann Statue, also in front of the State House, was the 
work of Emma Stebbins ; and the fund for its execution was raised by con- 
tributions from school-teachers and children throughout the State. The 
State paid for the pedestal. The statues within the State House are men- 
tioned in the sketch of the State House, in another chapter. 

The Alexander Hamilton Statue was the first placed in Commonwealth 
Avenue. It is of granite, by Dr. Rimmer, and is said to have been the first 
in the country cut from that material. It was presented to the city by 
Thomas Lee, in 1865, and was put in place at his expense. On the sides 
of the substantial granite pedestal are the following inscriptions: — 



ALEXANDER HAMILTON, 

BORN IN THE ISLAND OF 

NEVIS, WEST INDIES 

11 JANUARY 1757, 

DIED IN NEW YORK 12 JULY 1804. 



ORATOR, WRITER, SOLDIER, JURIST, 

FINANCIER. 
ALTHOUGH HIS PARTICULAR 
PROVINCE WAS THE TREASURY, 
HIS GENIUS PERVADED THE WHOLE 
ADMINISTRATION OF WASHINGTON. 



The Edward Everett Statue, in the Public Garden, on the Beacon-street 
side, is by W. W. Story, modelled in Rome in 1866, cast in Munich, and form- 
ally presented to the city, and put in place in November, 1867. The statue 
fund was raised by popular subscription in 1865, with remarkable success, 
and grew so large that there was a surplus after the completion of the work, 
out of which a portrait of Everett for Faneuil Hall was paid for, 1^5,000, as 
elsewhere stated, given to the Washington equestrian statue fund, and 
$10,000 given to the Governor Andrew statue fund. The Everett statue 
has been sharply criticised, though it has many admirers. It represents 
the orator as standing with his head thrown back, and his right arm 
extended and raised, in the act of making a favorite gesture. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



8i 




I. Hunker Hill, Charlestown. 2. Alex. Haiiiilton, 3. Gen. Glover, CocnnionweaUh Ave. 4. Army 
and Navy, Charlestown. 5. Gov. Andrew, State House. 6. I'ienj. Franklin, front of City Hall. 



MONUMENTS AND STATUES IN BOSTON, 



82 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

The John Glover Statue, on Commonwealth Avenue, is by Martin Mil- 
more, and was given to the city by Benjamin Tyler Reed in 1875. It is of 
bronze, of heroic size, and represents the sturdy old soldier in Continental 
uniform, with the heavy military overcoat hanging in graceful folds from his 
shoulders. His left leg is advanced, with the foot resting on a cannon ; and 
in his right hand he holds his sword, the point resting on the ground, while 
the emjaty scabbard is grasped in his left. The inscription is as follows : — 



JOHN GLOVER, 

OF MARBLEHEAD, 
A SOLDIER OF THE REVOLUTION. 



HE COMMANDED A REGIMENT OF 
ONE THOUSAND MEN RAISED IN THAT TOWN, 

KNOWN AS THE MARINE REGIMENT, 

AND ENLISTED TO SERVE THROUGH THE WAR; 

HE JOINED THE CAMP AT CAMBRIDGE, JUNE 22, 1775, 

AND RENDERED DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN TRANSPORTING 

THE ARMY FROM BROOKLYN TO NEW YORK, AUG. 28, 1776, 

AND ACROSS THE DELAWARE, DEC. 25, 1776. 

HE WAS APPOINTED BY 

THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, A BRIGADIER GENERAL, 

FEBRUARY 21, 1777. 

BY HIS COURAGE, ENERGY, MILITARY TALENTS 

AND PATRIOTISM, HE SECURED THE CONFIDENCE OF 

WASHINGTON, 

AND THE GRATITUDE OF HIS COUNTRY. 

BORN NOVEMBER 5, 1732, 
DIED AT MARBLEHEAD, JANUARY 30, 1797. 



The statue stands on a substantial granite pedestal. 

The Aristides and Columbus Statues in Louisburg Square, which ex- 
tends from Mount Vernon to Pinckney Street, are specimens of Italian art, 
which were imported by the late Joseph lasigi, long a prominent Boston 
merchant, and given to the city. 

The Benjamin Franklin Statue, to the left of the path leading to the 
main entrance of the City Hall, is by Richard S. Greenough, and was cast 
by the Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Mass. It is a large 
statue, eight feet high, standing on a granite pedestal, capped with a block 
of verd-antique marble. The four bas reliefs represent as many periods of 



K/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



83 



Franklin's career. This statue was publicly inaugurated in 1856. A simi- 
lar statue of Josiah Ouincy will soon be placed on the right of the path. 

Of private work publicly displayed, the most noteworthy are the three 
typical figures in granite on the front and top of Horticultural Hall, corner 
of Tremont and Bromfield Streets, representing Flora, Ceres, and Pomona, 
cut by Martin Milmore; and the figure of the Saviour, copied from Thor- 
waldsen, on the apex of the pediment of the Church of the Immaculate 
Conception on Harrison Avenue. 

The Ether Monument was presented by Thomas Lee to the city, in 
1868. It is a fine piece of work, and well placed on the Public Garden, on 
the Arlington-street side, towards Beacon Street. On one side is this 
inscription : — 



TO COMIVIEMORATE 

THE DISCOVERY 

THAT THE INHALING OF ETHER 

CAUSES INSENSIBILITY TO PAIN. 

FIRST PROVED TO THE WORLD 

AT THE 

MASS. GENERAL HOSPITAL 

IN BOSTON, 
OCTOBER A.D. MDCCCXLVI. 



On each of the sides are medallions, well executed in marble, representing 
the physician and the surgeon operating upon the sick and injured, under the 
influence of ether ; and the shaft is surmounted by two admirably modelled 
figures. The monument is of granite and red marble. 

The Army and Navy Monument, erected by the City of Boston in mem- 
ory of her sons who fell in the civil war, stands on Flag-staff Hill in the 
Common. Martin Milmore of Boston was the sculptor. The shaft is of 
white Maine granite, and reaches a height of over 70 feet. The foundation 
is of solid masonry, cruciform in shape, built up from a depth of 16 feet to 
the ground level. On this is a platform of stone, covering an area 38 feet 
square, and reached by three steps. From this platform rises a plinth, nine 
feet high, with projecting pedestals at each of the four corners. These 
pedestals are ornamented upon the sides and front with carved wreaths of 
laurel. Upon them stand four bronze figures, each eight feet high, repre- 
senting Peace, History, the Army, and the Navy. The statue of Peace 
represents a female figure, robed in classic drapery, seated on a stone. Her 



84 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



right arm is raised and extended, and in her hand she holds an oHve-branch 
toward the south. The figure representing the Muse of History also occu- 
pies a sitting position, and is clad in simple Greek costume. The left hand 
holds a tablet, which rests upon the knee; in the right is a stylus. A wreath 
of laurel encircles the head. The face is turned slightly away and ujjward, 
as if in meditation. The statue of the Sailor faces the sea. It is in an easy 
attitude, the right hand resting upon a drawn cutlass, whose point touches 
the ground, the left hand supported by the hip. The naval costume is well 
executed. The army is represented by the figure of a Soldier, standing at 
ease, with overcoat, belt, and accoutrements. His musket rests upon the 

ground. One hand clasps its barrel ; the other 
rests upon the muzzle. On the four sides of 
the plinth, between the jDcdestals, are bronze 
mezzo-relievos, 5 feet 6 inches in length by 2 
feet 6 inches in width, symboHcal of incidents 
of the war. That on the front of the monument 
represents the departure of troops for the war, 
and introduces the portraits of Gov. Andrew, 
Archbishop Williams, A. H. Vinton, D.D., 
Phillips Brooks, D.D., Wendell Phillips, Henry 
W. Longfellow, and others, standing on the 
State House steps, while with the troops march- 
ing by are Gen. Butler, Gen. Reed, Col. Cass, 
Col. Shaw, and Gen. Chas. Russell Lowell. The 
relief symbolizing the works of the Sanitary 
Commission has two parts ; one showing the 
prominent members of the commission from 
Boston in consultation, the oth- 
er representing the work in the 
field. Portraits are given of 
Gov. Rice, James Russell Low- 
ell, Ezra H. Gannett, D.D., 
E. R. Mudge, George Tick- 
nor, Marshall P. Wilder, Col. 
W. W. Clapp, the Rev. E. E. 
Hale, and several ladies. The 
" Return from the War" is the 
most elaborate relief. It rep- 
resents a regiment drawn up in 
front of the State House. On 
the steps are Gov. Andrew, Dr. Edward Reynolds, Henry Wilson, Gov. 
Claflin, Mayor Shurtleff, Judge Putnam, Charles Sumner, and others. Gens. 




Army and Navy Monument, Boston Common. 




1. Fountain, Union Square. 4. Fountain, Chester Square. 5. Fountain, Sullivan Square. 

2. Dorchester Soldiers' Monument. 3. Harvard Monument. 

MONUMENTS AND FOUNTAINS IN BOSTON. 



86 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



Banks, Devens, Bartlett, and Underwood are on horseback. The fourth 
relief commemorates the achievements of the navy, and has two parts. 
The left-hand portion shows a group of ii figures, and represents the 
departure of sailors from home ; while on the right is a view of a naval 
engagement. 

On the plinth rests the pedestal proper, 14 feet 3 inches high, terminating 
in a surbase. The sides of the die are panelled. In that facing the south 
is cut the following inscription, written by Charles W. Eliot, president of 
Harvard University : — 



TO THE MEN OF BOSTON 

WHO DIED FOR THEIR COUNTRY 

ON LAND AND SEA IN THE WAR 

WHICH KEPT THE UNION WHOLE 

DESTROYED SLAVERY 

AND MAINTAINED THE CONSTITUTION 

THE GRATEFUL CITY 

HAS BUILT THIS MONUMENT 

THAT THEIR EXAMPLE MAY SPEAK 

TO COMING GENERATIONS 



From the surbase of the pedestal rises the granite shaft, which is of the 
Roman-Doric order. About its base are grouped figures in alto-relievo, 
representing the four sections of the Union, — North, South, East, and 
West. Sculptured wreaths surround the shaft at irregular intervals. The 
capstone is a circular block of granite, 2 feet 11 inches high and 5 feet in 
diameter. On this stands the bronze ideal statue of the Genius of America, 
which was cast in Philadelphia, and is 1 1 feet high, representing a female 
dressed in a flowing robe. Over the robe is a loose tunic bound with a gir- 
dle at the waist. A heavy mantle, clasped at the throat, is thrown back over 
the shoulder, and falls the full length of the figure behind. On the head is 
a crown with 13 stars. In the right hand, which rests upon the hilt of an 
unsheathed sword, are two laurel wreaths. The left hand holds a banner 
draped about a staff, which reaches to a height of 6 feet above the head. 
The face fronts towards the south, and the head is slightly bowed. The 
cost of the entire monument was $75,000. The corner-stone was laid Sept. 
18, 187 1, on which occasion there was a great parade. The dedication took 
place Sept. 17, 1877, when over 25,000 men marched in the procession, in- 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 87 

eluding the militia of the State, the veterans of the Grand Army, the lead- 
ing generals of the civil war, the State and city officials, civic societies, the 
school children, etc. The procession marched over a route more than six 
miles long, and was four hours in passing a given point, all delays excluded. 
The principal feature of the dedication ceremonies was an oration by Gen. 
Charles Devens. 

The Bunker-Hill Monument stands in the centre of Monument Square, 
on Breed's Hill, where the principal redoubt was thrown up by the Amer- 
icans on the night before the battle. The monument is 221 feet high, and 
consists of 6,700 tons of Ouincy granite. The base is 30 feet square, and the 
column tapers gradually to 15 feet at the apex. Inside the shaft is a hollow 
cone, in which is a spiral flight of 295 stone steps ascending to a chamber 11 
feet square and 17 feet high, whence a beautiful view is obtained on a clear 
day from the four windows. The capstone of the apex, above this obser- 
vatory, is in one piece, and weighs 2h tons. The room contains two small 
cannon, the inscriptions on which tell their story. The corner-stone of the 
monument was laid June 17, 1825, by Gen. Lafayette ; and the oration was 
by Daniel Webster. The work was under the direction of Solomon Willard. 
The monument cost over $150,000. It was dedicated June 17, 1843, on 
which occasion Daniel Webster was again the orator. President Tyler and his 
cabinet being present. The centennial anniversary of the battle, on June 
17, 1875, has been referred to. The monument is under the charge of the 
Bunker-hill Monument Association. At its foot a modest slab marks the 
spot where Gen. Warren was killed. 

The Harvard Monument, to the memory of John Harvard, erected from 
subscriptions of graduates of Harvard College, is situated on the top of the 
hill in the old graveyard near the State prison, in the Charlestown district. 
It is a solid granite shaft. On the eastern face is inscribed the name John 
Harvard, and on a marble tablet the following words : — 

ON THE TWENTY-SIXTH DAY SEITEMBER A.D. 1828 

THIS STONE WAS ERECTED BY THE 

GRADUATES OF THE UNIVERSITY AT CAMBRIDGE 

IN HONOR OF ITS FOUNDER 

WHO DIED AT CHARLESTOWN 

ON THE TWENTY-SIXTH DAY OF SEITEMBER A.D. 1638 

On the western side is an inscription in Latin, of wliich the following is 
a free translation : " That one who merits so much from our literary men 
should no longer be without a monument, however humble, the graduates of 
the University of Cambridge, New England, have erected this stone, nearly 
two hundred years after his death, in pious and perpetual remembrance 
of John Harvard." At the dedication of this monument, Edward Everett 
delivered the oration. 



88 A'/IVG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

The Charlestown Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument stands in VVinthrop 
Square, once the old militia training-ground, set apart in colonial days. On 
a high pedestal stands a group of three figures, the "Genius of America" 
holding out laurel wreaths above the soldier and sailor standing on each 
side. The sculptor was Martin Milmore. The monument is of Hallowell 
granite, and cost $20,000. The dedication took place on the ninety-seventh 
anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1872; and the address was 
by Richard Frothingham. On the occasion of the memorable centennial 
celebration of the battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1875, the Fifth Maryland 
Regiment, of the visiting military organizations from the South, placed upon 
this monument a beautiful floral shield, as a token of their good-will towards 
their Northern guests, and as a tribute to the Northern heroes who had 
fallen in the unhappy civil conflict. The act was gracefully performed, with- 
out ostentation. " The Marylanders," the local press of the day reported, 
" visited Charlestown very quietly, notifying nobody beforehand, and going 
entirely without escort. They carried with them a magnificent floral shield, 
composed of white and carnation pinks, inscribed ' Maryland's tribute to 
Massachusetts,' and marched to Winthrop Square, in which stands the 
beautiful monument erected by Charlestown to the memory of her sons who 
fell in the military and naval service during the war. Here the regiment 
halted, forming three sides of a square around the monument; the band 
played a dirge, and the regiment stood at parade rest, while the shield was 
reverently laid on the monument. Then the orders were given, 'Atten- 
tion ! ' ' Carry arms ! ' ' Present arms ! ' After this simple, beautiful cere- 
mony, the regiment dejoarted." 

The Dorchester Soldiers' Monument stands in the large open space in 
front of the church on Meeting-house hill. Its foundation, 5 feet deep, is 
laid upon a ledge of rock. It is of red Gloucester granite, is 31 feet high, 
and 8 feet square at the base. The form is that of an obelisk. Its heavy 
base has square projections at the angles supporting four buttresses, each 
with an upright cannon in half relief. Between these are raised polished 
tablets with the names of Dorchester's fallen soldiers. Above the tablets 
are garlands of laurel in relief. A heavy cornice caps the die containing 
the tablets, and above is a second die with ornamental scrolls at the cor- 
ners. On the four faces of the die are round panels with sunken marble 
tablets having appropriate inscriptions and symbols. The shaft, an obelisk, 
which rises from the second die, is 4 feet square at the base, and has two 
projecting belts, the lower one with a large star in relief on each face, and 
the upper the shield of the United States. The style of the monument is a 
dignified Renaissance, and the architect was B. F. Dwight. The dedication 
took place on Sept. 17, 1867; the oration being delivered by the Rev. Charles 
A. Humphreys of Springfield. 




^>-.'k^^f^^^2x7^- 



THE CHARLES SUMNER STATUE, 
On the Public Garden, Boston. 



N 



/C/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



89 



The Roxbury Soldiers' Monument is on Sycamore and Poplar Avenues 
Forest-h.lls Cemetery. In the centre of a lot containing over 2,000 square 
feet, on a granite pedestal about six feet high, stands a bronze infantry sol- 
dier of heroic size. The statue was designed by Martin Milmore cast at 
Chicopee, Mass., and erected in 1867, after the old city of Roxbury had 
become incorporated with the municipality of Boston. On the front and 
the reverse of the pedestal are the following inscriptions • — 



ERECTED 

BY 

THE CITY OF ROXBURY 

IN HONOR OF 

HER SOLDIERS, 

WHO DIED FOR THEIR COUNTRY 

IN THE REBELLION OF 

1861-1865 



1867 



■' FROM THE HONORED DEAD 

WE TAKE INCREASED DEVOTION 

TO THAT CAUSE FOR WHICH 

THEY GAVE THE LAST FULL 

MEASURE OF DEVOTION." 

Abraham Lincoln, 
at Gettysburg, 
Nov. 1863. 



The lot IS enclosed by an emblematic granite railing, and contains the 
bodies of a score of Roxbury soldiers. On the base of the railin.^ the name 
of eacli person buried, witli his re-iment, and date of death, is chiselled and 
gilded. Nearly half of those lying here (members of the Thirty-fifth Re<ri 
ment Mass. Vols.) fell at Antietam in less than a month after their departure 
from the State. This monument is elaborately decorated on Memorial Day 
by Thomas G. Stevenson Post 26 of the G. A. R., when a miniature fla- 
IS placed on each grave. * 

The West-Roxbury Soldiers' Monument is at the corner of Centre and 
South Streets, near Curtis Hall, formerly the town hall, Jamaica Plain 
The monument, in Gothic style, is 34 feet high, of light gray granite, except 
the base, which is of the dark Ouincy stone. The ground plan is square, 
and the chief feature is a massive structure supporting a sort of pyramidal 
pedestal on which stands the statue of a soldier leaning on his gun, in pen- 
sive contemplation of the loss of his comrades. On each of the four sides 
of the monument is a pointed archway opening into a vaulted chamber. In 
the gables above the arches are the names of Lincoln, Andrew, Thomas, and 
Farragut. At the corners are four pinnacles ornamented with military tro- 
phies in relief. In the vaulted chamber stands a stone of Italian marble 
mscribed with the names of the West-Roxbury men who fell during the 
war. The monument is 34 feet high. The architect was W. W. Lummis. 
The dedication took place on Sept. 14, 1871, the principal feature being an 
address by James Freeman Clarke. 



90 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

The Brighton Soldiers' Monument was erected in Evergreen Cemetery 
the year after the close of the war, and was dedicated on July 26, 1866, when 
the oration was delivered by the Rev. Frederick Augustus Whitney. The 
monument has a square base, two cou'-ses high, with projections at each 
corner supporting cannon-balls. Upon this base is a pyramidal plinth with 
its four sides covered with inscriptions, and names of the Brighton soldiers 
who died in the war. This supports a square shaft, on the die of which are 
national trophies in relief; and on a ball, at the top of the shaft, rests an 
eagle. The monument is 30 feet high, and cost $5,000. 

The Charles Sumner Statue stands in the Public Garden, near Boylston 
Street, and faces Beacon Street. It is of bronze, 9^ feet high, representing 
Sumner in a firm, graceful attitude, with his left hand in front clasping a 
roll of manuscript. The pedestal is of Ouincy granite. The cost was 
$15,000, raised by contributions of the people. Three prizes of $500 each 
were offered for the three most approved designs ; arid they were awarded 
to Miss Annie Whitney, Martin Milmore, and Thomas Ball, the last named 
being selected as the sculptor. At the unveiling of the statue, Dec. 23, 
1878, there were no formal ceremonies, but an historical sketch of the statue 
was read by Gov. A. H. Rice. 

The Josiah Quincy Statue will be erected in front of the City Hall, 
Sept. 17, 1S79. Its cost of $18,000 is defrayed by the income of a fund of 
$20,000 left in i860 by Jonathan Phillips to adorn and embellish streets and 
public places. This fund now amounts to nearly $50,000. The statue is 
of bronze, and the pedestal of Italian marble, both designed by Thomas Ball. 

The Norsemen Statue and Fountain is to be erected in Post-office 
Square, to commemorate the supposed visit of the Norsemen to New 
England, about the year 1000. The statue, of bronze, will represent Leif, 
son of Eric, who first colonized Greenland. It will wear the ancient armor 
of the Norsemen, — a shirt of mail, a two-edged sword, and the pointed 
helmet of that people. The pedestal will be of rough granite, richly in- 
crusted in bronze, with grape vines, leaves, and clusters. Water will fall 
from the twisted vine stems at the four corners into a simple lipped oval 
basin of polished granite. The cost of statue and pedestal will be $18,000; 
and it is hoped that the City will furnish the basin and its granite rim, and 
that the United-States Government will consider the monument a sufficient 
addition to the beautiful front of the Post-office to make an appropriation 
towards its cost. As it will stand in front of the buildings of the New- 
England Mutual Life-Insurance Company of Boston and the Mutual Life- 
insurance Company of New York, these companies will probably give 
$5,000; and Ole Bull and his friends are to give $2,000; while the balance 
will be raised by contributions from citizens. Thomas G. Appleton is chair- 
man of the committee who .have the matter in charge. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 91 



Efje JHintJ of ttr Citg. 

THE LIBRARIES, ART AND SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTIONS, AND 
MUSICAL SOCIETIES. 

IN the nwmber and extent of its libraries, Boston stands at the head of 
American cities, and will even bear comparison with European capitals. 
In none of the latter are the libraries so accessible to all, and few are so well 
arranged, as those of Boston. This fact makes the New-England metropolis 
the most desirable centre on the American continent for the scholar and 
student; and the possession of these great institutions has done much to 
give Boston its position as a seat of literature and science, — a. position it 
promises to maintain. In the city and in Cambridge, which is so near that 
its libraries are almost as accessible as those of the city, there are three 
large libraries containing about three-quarters of a million books, besides 
several hundred thousand pamphlets. Then there are many large special 
libraries, all of which are easily available for any one having occasion to use 
them. 

The Boston Public Library, on Boylston Street, opposite the Common, 
is, if its branches be included, the largest library in America, and an institu- 
tion much appreciated by the reading public, for its advantages are free to 
all. Its establishment was authorized in 1848, and it was opened in 1854 
on Mason Street. Edward Everett was the first president of the board 
of trustees. The present building was completed in 1858, at a cost of 
$365,000. In 1852 Joshua Bates of London gave the library 550.000, and 
subsequently $50,000 worth of books. Mr. Everett gave 1,000 books at the 
outset. Theodore Parker willed over 12,000 volumes to the library. George 
Ticknor gave nearly 7,500 books, including his valuable Spanish collection. 
The sons of Dr. Nathaniel Bowditch gave their father's library of over 
2,500 books and manuscripts. Abbott Lawrence bequeathed .^i; 10,000 to the 
institution. Mary P. Townsend gave $4,000, and Jonathan Phillips $30,000. 
The library has had deposited with it the Prince collection, willed in 1758 
by the Rev. Thomas Prince to the Old South Church : and has purchased 
the Thomas P. Barton library of 12,000 volumes, including the best Shake- 
sperian collection in this country, and much early French literature. The 
library building, of brick with sandstone trimmings, has two lofty stories 
and basement, and measures in the main building 82 by 128 feet. On the 
first floor are an entrance-hall, distribution-room, lower library-room, and 



92 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

two large reading-rooms. On the second floor is Bates Hall, where most 
of the books are stored in 60 alcoves and 6 galleries. The library, with its 
eight branches, containing more than 360,000 volumes, is supported by the 
city's annual appropriation of $120,000 or more. In 1872 the city appropriated 
$70,000 to buy the adjoining Richardson estate, so as to provide for future 
expansion; and in 1873 an appropriation was made of $30,000 for an addi- 
tion to the building. Two members of the city council are always on the 
board of trustees, which comprises seven members, who oversee and con- 
trol the library business, subject to city ordinances. The Board of Trus- 
tees of the Boston Public Library was incorporated in 1878, thus making 
the institution partially independent, and making it more difficult for the 
city council to interfere with the administration of the institution. The 
executive force of the library consists of about 150 persons, organized as a 
central staff under the chief librarian, and (also subordinate to him) eight 
branch staffs with their librarians. In the eight branch libraries, at East 
Boston, South Boston, Roxbury (to which the Fellowes Athenaeum has 
been added), Charlestown district, Brighton district, South End, Jamaica 
Plain district, and the Dorchester district, besides the eight librarians 
there are about 50 assistants. More than two-thirds of the persons em- 
ployed are women. Quarterly bulletins showing the most important acces- 
sions, and other partial catalogues or " class-lists," are issued, such as 
History and Biography, Fiction, Prince Library, etc. ; also branch cata- 
logues ; but no complete single catalogue in book-form is issued or intended. 
Instead, there is a card-catalogue, with subjects and authors alphabetically 
arranged, in drawers, which are open to the public. There is, besides, an 
official card-catalogue. About 1,300,000 issues a year are now recorded, 
and an average of only one book is lost out of every 9,000 delivered. 
The central reading-room, supplied with all the principal American and 
foreign periodicals, is open every day in the week. C. C. Jewett was the 
first superintendent; and at his death, in 1868, he was succeeded by Justin 
Winsor, the present librarian of Harvard University. In 1877 Mr. Winsor 
resigned, and Dr. Samuel A. Green temporarily acted as superintendent. 
In August, 1878, Mellen Chamberlain was elected librarian, — the term 
superintendent being dropped in the act of incorporation. Plans are begin- 
ning to be discussed for a new building that will properly accommodate 
the vast number of books that the library will probably accumulate in the 
near future. The library also contains a number of interesting and valu- 
able manuscripts, antiquities, and works of art. 

The Boston Athenaeum, which grew out of a reading-room established 
by the Anthology Club, was incorporated in 1807. For some years it in- 
cluded a library, a museum of natural history and of curiosities, philosophi- 
cal apparatus, and models of machines, and also an art-gallery ; but as 




"''iiiiiMiriifri]i;;jj iw™ 

Imiillllllllmiiiii^^iB 



THE BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY, BOYLSTON blREET 



94 



A'/NG'S HANDBOOK' OF BOSTON. 



other societies, specially devoted to these different objects, were founded, 
the Athenaeum transferred to them its various collections. The building 
novi^ contains only the library of 1 15,000 volumes, and a few pictures, busts, 
and statues, serving for decoration. Although the right to use this library 
is confined to the 1.049 shareholders and their families, — about 800 of 

whom pay the annual assess- 
ment that entitles them to 
take books from the build- 
ing, — nevertheless stran- 
gers, especially students and 
authors, are always welcome, 
and given access to the read- 
mg-rooms and collections. 
The income-producing funds 
of the Athena-um are over 
>3oo,ooo; and the value of 
the real estate, books, paint- 
mgs, and statuary is $470,- 
000. The library, each year, 
adds about 3,000 volumes, 
and circulates about 50,000 
volumes. The library-room 
was first in Congress Street ; 
afterwards, in 1821, on Pearl Street, in a house given by James Perkins, 
where the society remained until the completion, in 1849, of the present 
handsome building on the south side of Beacon Street, between Bowdoin 
and Somerset Streets. The library of George Washington, purchased by 
the corporation in 1848 at a cost of $4,000, is one of the many interesting 
collections that have come into the possession of the Athenaum. The 
present librarian is Charles A. Cutter, who has filled the position for the 
past 10 years. 

The Massachusetts Historical Society was founded in 1 791, by a few 
gentlemen who were interested in American history, with the object of 
preserving for reference all books, pamphlets, manuscripts, and other ma- 
terials containing historical facts. The library now .contains about 23,000 
books and 45,000 pamphlets. The Dowse collection, given by the late 
Thomas Dowse, in 1856, comprises nearly 5,000 finely-bound volumes, and 
many choice works. Most of the books are of an historical character, a 
specialty being made of local histories, and histories of the civil war. The 
membership is limited to 100, but the library may be used for reference by 
any one. It is managed by a council of the officers and an executive com- 
mittee of five. A librarian, two assistants, and a janitor, are employed. 




The Boston Athenseum, Beacon Street. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



95 




The society, for several years after its organization, met in the attic of 
Faneuil Hall ; afterwards rooms were occupied in Hamilton Place, and then 
in Franklin Street. In 1833 the present quarters on Trcmont Street were 
occupied. The society has many relics of historic interest, such as King 
Philip's samp-bowl, a gun used at the cap- 
ture of Gov. Andros by the Bostonians in 
1689, a silk flag presented by Gov. Hancock 
to a colored company called the " Ducks of 
America;" the swords of Miles Standish, 
Gov. Carver, Gov. Brooks, Col. Church, Sir 
William Pepperell, Capt. Linzee, and Col. 
Prescott; the desk used by the successive 
speakers of the Representatives in the Old 
State House ; an oak chair said to have been 
made in London in 1614, and brought over 
in the " Mavflower " by Edward Winslow ; 

The Speakers Desk Winslow s Chair. 

and portraits of Govs. Endicott, Winslow, 

Pownall, Dummer, Belcher, Winthrop, Hutchinson, Strong, Gore, etc. 
That of Winslow is believed to be a Vandyke. The society also possesses 
the diary of Judge Sewall, who presided at the witchcraft trials in 1792, 
and the earliest issues of the first American newspaper. The building has 
been entirely rebuilt in a most substantial manner within a few years, and 
is thoroughly fireproof. The president is Robert C. Winthrop, who has held 
that office for more than 24 consecutive years. The librarian is Dr. .Samuel 
A. Green. 

The State Library of Massachusetts is in tlie .State House, and contains 
40,000 volumes. It was established in 1S26. The class of books is solid 
and useful , for example, United States, State, and Territorial statute-books, 
legal documents, law-reports, works on political economy, educ.ilion, social 
science, the acts of the British Parliament, and the French Archives Parle- 
mentaires. J. W. Dickinson is the lil^rarian. 

The Social Law Library is in the Court House on Court Square, and 
consists of about 15,000 law-bof)ks for professional use. It was incorporated 
in 1 814. and contains many rare and valuable toooks. Its collections are 
open to members, and to many officials, judges, and others, granted the 
privilege by the by-laws. The librarian is F. W. Vaughan. 

The Boston Medical Library Association, founded in 1S75, was at 5 
Hamilton Place until 187S. It then purchased tlic house at No. 19 Boyl- 
ston Place, and fitted up reading-rooms and a hall for the meetings of all 
the medical societies of the city. The library contains 9,000 volumes and 
6,000 pamphlets, being the sixth medical library in the United States, 
and receives regularly 125 periodicals. It is intended to be the iieadquar- 
ters of the medical profession of the State. Dr. James R. Chadwick is the 
librarian. 



96 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



The New-England Historic-Genealogical Society, incorporated in 1845, 
is at No. 18 Somerset Street. Its specialty is genealogy, including her- 
aldry, and New-England local history. The house, built in 1805 for a 
dwelling, was purchased by the Society in 1S70, and was remodelled and 
dedicated the following year. It is of brick, three stories high, 29 by 42 
feet in dimensions, with an L in the rear. The front is faced with an arti- 
ficial stone resembling grayish sandstone, and has Nova Scotia sandstone 

trimmings. On the first floor is a fire- 
proof room for the storage of rare books 
and manuscripts ; on the second, the 
library proper ; and on the third, a hall 
for the meetings of the Society. The 
cost of the building and furniture was 
$43,000. The library contains over 14,000 
volumes and 60,000 pamphlets, relating 
chiefly to the history and the influence 
of New-England character and life, and 
includes many very rare works. The 
Society publish annually the New-Eng- 
land Historical and Genealogical Regis- 
ter. Its Towne Memorial Fimd is used 
in printing memorials of its deceased 
members. For eleven years past, Mar- 
shall P. Wilder, Ph.D., has been the 
president; and to him the Society is in- 
debted for its good financial condition, 
and especially for his services in raising 
the sum of $55,000 for the building and 
librarian funds. Benjamin B. Torrey is 
the treasurer, and John Ward Dean the librarian. The library and archives 
are open freely to the public. 

The Congregational Library was organized in 1853, and is the property 
of the .American Congregational Association. It was intended to gather and 
preserve the writings and mementos, — indeed, every thing available, — that 
would state and ilhistrate the principles and work of the Pilgrims and Puri- 
tans in laying the foundations of our free institutions. It has never had any 
funds with which to purchase books. Every dollar has been used to meet 
necessary running expenses, and pay for the Congregational House ; the 
library waiting for an income from rents when the building is paid for. Its 
books and pamjahlets are largely ecclesiastical, historical, expository, doc- 
trinal, and biographical, — a library of reference rather than popular reading. 
For consultation it is free to all. The payment of one dollar secures its 




N.E. Historic-Genealogical Society, Somerset St. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 97 

general privileges. Its building is fireproof, and had last May a total of 
25,815 books and more than 100,000 pamphlets, besides the unique and valu- 
able missionary library, of 7,000 volumes, belonging to the American Board. 
The librarian is the Rev. I. P. Langworthy. 

The General Theological Library, No. 12 West Street, contains over 
12,000 volumes, mostly of a theological, religious, or moral character. It is 
used by members and annual subscribers, and is unsectarian. There is 
also a reading-room with about 75 periodicals. The library was instituted 
in i860, and incorporated in 1864. The Rev. Charles Burroughs, D.D., was 
the founder. The management is vested in a board of 15 directors. The 
Rev. Luther Farnham has been the librarian from the beginning. 

The Boston and Albany Railroad Library is in the station on Beach 
Street, and contains over i,Soo volumes. It was established in 1S69 by 
Ginery Twichell, president of the road, and is supported by the corporation 
for the use of the persons employed. It is open two hours once a week. 

The Boston Society of Natural History has a library in its building on 
Berkeley Street, containing 12,000 books, and 5,000 pamphlets on natural 
history. The use of the library, which was established in 1831, is confined 
to members of the society. 

Other Libraries. — There are a large number of other libraries of both 
general and special character. Tlie Boston Museum of Fine Arts has 
recently begun the collection of works on art ; and the Boston Art Qub has 
a valuable library of the same class. Several of the musical societies have 
good collections of works on music. All the public schools — notably the 
Boston Latin, and Girls' High and Normal, and nearly all of the Sunday 
schools, charitable and municipal institutions, as well as the various scien- 
tific, social, and religious societies — have their own libraries. Some of 
these, owing to their special character, are quite valuable. 

Art and Science have gained a strong foothold in Boston ; and in fact, 
as a centre of science, she ranks the first city in America, and of art second 
to none, not excepting even New York. Besides Harvard University in 
Cambridge, there is in Boston a long list of art and scientific institutions, 
and clubs and societies devoted to the special sciences and fine arts. 
The city, as a corporation, maintains various schools of industrial and 
mechanical drawing; and the study of drawing is thoroughly pursued in 
all the public schools. There is also a school of wood-carving for boys, 
maintained by private beneficence. Several fine picture-galleries are con- 
nected with the establishments of fine-art dealers, and the city is the home 
of a large number of artists, many of whom have national reputations. 

Of the leading art and scientific institutions, excepting the Institute of 
Technology, which is referred to in the chapter on educational institutions, 
comprehensive sketches are given below. 



98 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

The Boston Museum of Fine Arts, corner of Dartmouth Street and 
St. James Avenue, is one of the most admirable institutions of modern 
Boston, though it is as yet but the beginning of what is to become the 
chief pride and delight of New England. The accompanying illustration 
shows the building as it will appear when completed. At present only one- 
fourth of it is finished, namely, the section fronting on St. James Avenue. 
It is one of the finest structures in the city. The principal material is red 
brick ; and the mouldings, copings, and all the ornamental work, are of red 
and buff terra-cotta, imported from England. The two large and artistically 
executed reliefs on the facade represent various figures appropriate to such 
a building. One shows the " Genius of Art," with illustrations of the art 
and architecture of all nations, from antiquity to the present day. Among 
the figures representing the nations, America is the only female ; and she 
holds in her hand Powers's " Greek slave." The other bas-relief represents 
"Art and Industry " joined. In the roundels are the heads of the most 
distinguished artists and patrons of art ; the Americans being Copley, Craw- 
ford, and AUston. This terra-cotta work was the first used on a large scale 
in America, and is said to be very durable and not costly. It is certainly 
effective, and gives to the exterior a rich and unique appearance. 

The main entrance is given a rich and handsome appearance by white 
marble steps, and polished granite columns, with terra-cotta capitals. Auto- 
matic recording turnstiles admit the visitor to the central hall, whence broad 
iron staircases ascend to the upper floor. The rooms on the first floor are 
devoted to statuary and antiquities ; those on the second floor to paintings, 
engravings, productions of industrial art, and bric-a-brac. In the central 
hall are Thomas G. Crawford's statue of Orpheus, Miss Harriet Hosmer's 
" Will-o'-the-Wisp," the " Young Columbus " of Giulio Monteverde, a 
Gobelin tapestry, the " Triumph of France," and various other interesting 
objects. In the Egyptian Room is a valuable and interesting collection of 
Egyptian antiquities, acquired by the late Robert Hay of Scotland, pur- 
chased after his death, and presented to the Museum by Charles Granville 
Way. This collection is supplemented by numerous fragments of sculpture 
collected in Egypt by the late John Lowell, the founder of the Lowell Insti- 
tute, and presented to the Museum by his family. The mummies and 
mummy-cases, with their hieroglyphics, the scarabaei, amulets, sepulchral 
figures, canopic vases, stamped cones, and the granite sculptures, especially 
that of the lion-headed goddess Pasht, form a remarkably instructive collec- 
tion. 

In the First Greek Room are casts from the oldest Greek sculptures, in- 
cluding the famous lions of Mycente and two temple-fronts from yEgina. 
Here also are a collection of antiquities from the Island of Cyprus, exca- 
vated by Gen. di Cesnola ; a lot of vases and other objects of Etruscan art 



lOO KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

presented by J. J. Dixwell ; and a collection of Grasco-Italian fictile painted 
vases, found by Alessandro Castellani in the tombs of Etruria and Campa- 
nia, presented by T. G. Appleton and Edward Austin. In the Second 
Greek Room are the famous Olympian casts, — casts of the bas-reliefs from 
the frieze of the Parthenon and from the Temple of the Wingless Victory ; 
the grand Theseus, the river-god Ilissus, the torso of Victory, and tvi'o 
of the three Fates, from the pediments of the Parthenon ; the colossal bust 
of Jupiter, from the Vatican ; the Ludovisi Mars, the Vatican Mercury, the 
Venus of Milo, the Diana of Versailles, Niobe and her daughters, the 
Apollo Belvedere, and casts of the recent discoveries at Olympia. The 
most noticeable casts in the Third Greek Room are those of the Dying 
Gladiator, and the Discobolus (disk-player) in action and in repose. In the 
Roman and Renaissance Room, are Michael Angelo's " Day " and " Night," 
his head of David, the Laocoon, and the reliefs attributed to Scopas and 
Alcamenes. Almost all the casts in the three Greek rooms and the Roman 
and Renaissance Room belong to the Athenaeum, or were purchased by the 
Museum with the proceeds of the Charles Sumner bequest. On the land- 
ing of the staircase is a cast of the Ariadne of the Vatican. Up stairs, in 
the hall, hangs Turner's famous painting, " The Slave Ship," which is 
loaned to the Museum. The visitor, after looking at the canvas with his 
own eyes, should read Ruskin's lurid description that is printed on cards, 
and then look on it through Ruskin's eyes. " It is a poetical picture, and 
no simple rendering of nature, but a passionate expression of the devilish 
horrors of the slave-trade," writes Thomas G. Appleton in his interesting 
little book called " A Companion to the Catalogue." In the same hall are 
many interesting objects, among which are a puljjit-door, inlaid with ivory 
and ebony, from a mosque at Cairo ; a cast of the second bronze gate at the 
Baptistery at Florence ; bronze half-figures of Virgil and Dante ; marble 
busts of Raphael and Rubens ; the famous painting " Belshazzar's Feast " 
by Allston ; Benjamin West's " King Lear; " the Dowse collection of Eng- 
lish water-color drawings, chiefly copies of the old masters, bequeathed to 
the Athenaeum by the late Thomas Dowse; and Millet's pastels and water- 
colors. 

The large picture-gallery contains many fine paintings, including the 
AthenjEum collection, the Sumner bequest, and numerous works of art 
loaned by private citizens. The catalogue shows, that among the artists 
represented are Stuart, Copley, Allston, Smibert, Sir Joshua Reynolds, 
Gainsborough, Rubens, Dow, Corot, Troyon, Courbet. Fromentin, Le Brun, 
Greuze, Guido, Correggio, Guercino, Velasquez, Boughton, and several living 
American painters. Gilbert Stuart's Washington and several of the French 
pictures are worthy of attention. The loan collection in the next room is 
remarkably interesting, and includes three fine specimens of tapestry, once 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. lOI 

the property of Louis Philippe, loaned by the late George O. Hovey; Persian 
fabrics, and small arras tapestry; a very complete display of pottery and 
porcelain, including majolica and Robbia ware ; and a rich collection of 
Chinese, Japanese, celadon, Dresden, Copenhagen, Berlin, Vienna, Rouen, 
Sevres, Delft, Wedgwood, Chelsea, Worcestershire, Derby, and other wares, 
with an equally full collection of pottery. Other cases in this room contain 
Chinese and Japanese articles, metal-work, cloissonne enamel, electrotype 
reproductions from objects in the South Kensington Museum, Limoges 
enamels, medals, and bronzes, German and Venetian glass, embroideries, 
silk textiles, and laces. The Lawrence Ro^m is fitted with ancient oak 
panelling of the time of Henry VIIL, presented by Mrs. Lawrence. It 
was intended to have a Lawrence Room containing a valuable collection of 
ancient armor bequeathed to the Athenseum by Col. T. B. Lawrence ; but 
the armor was destroyed during the Great Fire. In this room are some fine 
old pieces of sculptured wood furniture, Italian bronzes of the Renaissance 
period, arms and armor, and other objects. In the next room is the Gray 
collection of engravings bequeathed to Harvard University by the late 
Francis C. Gray, and placed in the Museum by the president and fellows, 
and also the engravings bequeathed by Charles Sumner, nine specimens of 
Chinese engraving, and a cartoon by Delaroche, called " Christ the Hope 
and Support of the Afflicted." With this room the tour of the Museum 
terminates. Now for a brief history of the institution. 

The land on which the Museum stands was given to the city by the 
Boston Water Power Company, to be used either as a public square or as 
the site of a museum of fine arts. The lot, containing 91,000 square feet, 
and surrounded by streets on every side, was granted by the city to the 
trustees in 1870, the year in which the corporation was formed. About 
$250,000 was raised by a public subscription ; and the first section of the 
building, the architects of which are Sturgis & Brigham, was begun in 1871, 
completed and opened in 1876. That portion of the building is but one- 
fourth of what the whole quadrangle will be when completed, with its two 
great courts. 

In 1878 the institution asked the public for only an additional subscrip- 
tion of $100,000, but $125,000 was subscribed ; whereupon work was at once 
begun, and by Oct. i, 1878, the St. James Avenue front was all roofed in. 
The new section will be opened in the spring of 1879. The corporation is 
administered by a board of trustees, to which are added persons annually 
chosen to represent Harvard University, the Institute of Technology, the 
Lowell Institute, the Public Library, and the Athenicum, also ex officio 
the mayor, the superintendent of public schools, and the secretary of the 
State board of education. The officers are a president, treasurer, secre- 
tary, honorary director, and curator. There are executive, finance, and 



I02 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

museum committees. The Museum is open daily. On Saturdays, from 9 
A.M. to 5 I'.M., and Sundays from i to 5 p.m., the admission is free ; at 
other times twenty-five cents is charged. During the first nine months 
of 1878 the number of visitors was about 100,000. In the Museum building 
a School of Drawing and Painting has been estabhshed, with day and even- 
ing classes, under instruction of Otto Grundmann and Wm. Rimmer, and 
has proved very prosperous. Schools of embroidery, wood-carving, and 
modelling, and decorative art, were also established in 1878. While the 
Museum owns many of the objects exhibited, almost an equal number are 
simply loaned by individuals or other corporations. Such loans as the 
Athenaeum collections of pictures and casts, and the Gray collection of 
engravings, are permanent ; but the property of individuals is frequently 
placed in the Museum for a certain period, and then reclaimed, so that the 
catalogue is subject to frequent revisions. Martin Brimmer is president of 
the board of trustees ; Henry P. Kidder, treasurer ; Charles C. Perkins, 
honorary director ; Charles G. Loring, curator; and E. H. Greenleaf, secre- 
tary. 

The Boston Art Club, at 64 Boylston Street, on the south side of the 
Boston Common, was organized in 1855, as the result of a desire manifested 
among the artists of Boston, and others whose inclinations and professions 
led them in the direction of art-culture, to meet with one another to further 
their common end. The club has fine picture-galleries in which exhibitions 
of fine art are held in the winter and spring of each year. Charles C. Per- 
kins is president ; Gilbert Attwood, vice-president ; John K. Rogers, treas- 
urer ; William F. Matchett, secretary ; and Sylvester Baxter, librarian. 

The Boston Society of Decorative Art, organized in 1878, occupies 
rooms at 48 Boylston Street, which are let without charge to the society by 
J. Huntington Wolcott. The objects form an interesting exhibition of needle- 
work and decorated porcelain and pottery. The society sells these articles ; 
and a committee provides instruction in wood-carving, art-embroidery, and 
china-painting. It is in correspondence and has intimate relations with the 
New-York Society, but is an independent organization. In the year 1879 it 
gave a public exhibition. 

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences has its rooms in the Athe- 
naeum Building. It is, with one exception, the oldest scientific society in 
America, and stands to the United States in a relation similar to that held 
by the famous academies of France, England, Germany, and other European 
nations, to their respective countries. It was founded in 1780; and among 
its principal early members were Benjamin Franklin, James Bowdoin, John 
Adams, John Hancock, John Ouincy Adams, Josiah Ouincy, Nathaniel Bow- 
ditch, John T. Kirkland, Samuel Dexter, and others eminent in science and 
literature. It has members in all sections of the Union, including the leading 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



103 



scholars and scientists of the country, and also a large number of honorary 
members in Europe. The society has charge of the awarding of the Rum- 
ford medals, which are paid for from a fund given to it in 1796 by Count 
Rumford, to be devoted to the proper recognition of important discoveries 
in heat and light made on the American continent or the adjacent islands. 
The medals have been awarded but eight times. The president of the 
society is Charles Francis Adams. 

The Boston Society of Natural History occupies a large brick building, 
with freestone trimmings, on Berkeley Street, between Roylston and New- 
bury Streets. The structure, which is 80 feet high and has a front of 105 
feet, is adorned by Corinthian columns and capitals. Over the entrance is 
carved the society's seal, \vhich bears the head of Cuvier ; heads of animals 
are carved on the keystones of all the windows. A sculptured eagle sur- 
mountsthe pediment. The land on which the building stands was granted 
by the State. On the first floor are a lecture-room, library, secretary's 
office, and rooms devoted to geological and'mineralogical specimens. On 
the second tloor is a large hall, 60 feet high, with balconies, and several other 
rooms, in which a grand and valuable collection of birds, shells, insects, 
plants, skeletons, and other objects of interest are on view. The museum 
is open to the public Wednesdays and Saturdays. The society holds fre- 
quent meet- 
ings, publish- 
es books on 
natural his- 
tory, and pro- ^r^^k^^.^^ 
vides lecture- 
courses in the 
season. It 
was incorpo- 
rated in 1 83 1, 
and formerly 
occupied a 
building on 
Mason Street. 
The late Dr. 
W. J. Walker 
was its chief 
benefactor, 

. ., The Boston Society of Natural History, Berkeley Street. 

givmg to the ' 

association at various times a sum aggregating nearly $200,000. Tlie present 
building, erected in 1864, cost about $100,000. The president is Thomas 
T. Bouvd; custodian, Alpheus Hyatt; secretary, Edward Burgess; treas- 
urer, Charles W. Scudder ; and librarian, Edward Burgess. 




I04 A'/NG'S HAND /WOK OF BOSTON. 

The Warren Museum of Natural History is at 92 Chestnut Street. It 
was founded by Dr. John C. Warren in 184O. The present fireproof build- 
ing was erected in 1849, ^^'^ the institution was incorporated in 1858. The 
skeleton of the great mastodon, — the most perfect specimen known, — 
discovered in 1846 near the Hudson River, at Newburgh, gives peculiar in- 
terest to the collection. The skeleton was bought by Dr. Warren, shortly 
after its discovery, and now stands in the lower hall. Close by is a skeleton 
elephant, and a skeleton horse, for the purpose of comparison. The collec- 
tions are otherwise exceedingly valuable. Persons wishing to visit the 
Museum should apply to Dr. J. Collins Warren, 58 Beacon Street, or Dr. 
Thomas Dwight, 70 Beacon Street. 

The Musical Societies of Boston, notably the Handel and Haydn So- 
ciety, and the Harvard Musical Association, enjoy a wide reputation, and 
have contributed much towards the cultivation of the musical taste of the 
public, which has the name of being intelligently critical and of a high 
order. 

The Handel and Haydn Society is the oldest musical organization in 
the United States, and is the leading choral society in this country, if not in 
the world. It was founded in 181 5, and consists af a large mixed chorus 
numbering now about 600 voices. It is devoted to the performance of ora- 
torio and other choral music of an earnest character. During the 64 sea- 
sons since its organization it has given about 600 concerts, the programmes 
of which have included works by nearly all the most eminent composers. 
Since the opening of the Music Hall, in 1852, it has given its concerts in 
that place. The society took part in the opening ceremonies at the New- 
York Crystal Palace in 1854, and also in a series of concerts in conjunction 
with the Thomas Orchestra given in Steinway Hall in 1873. In 1868 it 
gave its first great triennial festival, which lasted a whole week, perform- 
ances being given afternoons and evenings. These festivals have been 
regularly kept up, the last one having been given in 1877. Carl Zerrahn 
has been conductor of the society since 1854. The headquarters are in the 
Music-Hall building, and the rehearsals are held in Bumstead Hall. 

The Harvard Musical Association, a society whose work in advancing 
the cause of good music in Boston can hardly be over-estimated, was organ- 
ized in 1837. Its beginning was very unpretentious. A few graduates of 
Harvard, who in their college days had been members of the little music 
club called the " Pierian Sodality," chanced to meet, on Exhibition Day in 
July, 1837, with several of their imdergraduate successors in the institution; 
and, in the course of a pleasant conversation on music topics, the idea was 
broached of forming a union between past and present members. The 
proposition met with favor ; and on the following Commencement Day, Aug. 



A'/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 105 

30, 1837, the association was formed. After a while the sphere of the or- 
ganization was enlarged, and the headquarters were removed to Boston. 
The annual dinners of the association have been important features ; and to 
these occasions some of the foremost music enterprises of Boston owe 
their birth. Among these were the building of the Music Hall, the estab- 
lishment of " Dwight's Journal of Music," and the giving of classical con- 
certs in regular series. Under the auspices of the association was given the 
first regular course of chamber concerts in Boston ; and these were suc- 
ceeded b}' the famous Symphony Concerts, now in their fourteenth season. 
These met with extraordinary success at the start, and added considerably 
to the association's funds, for concerts and for the enlargement of its fine 
library of music. John S. Dwight has been president of the association for 
several years . and Charles C. Perkins vice-president. 

The Apollo Club was formed in 1 871, and incorporated in 1873, for the 
performance of part-songs and choruses for male voices. It was started by 
a few leading singers in church choirs in this city, and during its first year 
was composed of 52 active (singing) members, and 500 associate (or subscrib- 
ing) members, who, for an annual assessment, receive tickets to all the con- 
certs given by the club. The number of active members has varied from 60 
to 70 ; and the number of associate members has always remained 500, that 
limit having been set at the formation of the club. No public concerts are 
given, and no tickets to its performances are sold. It has, on a few occa- 
sions, sung in a semi-public manner, by request of the authorities of the 
State or the City — as at the funeral of Charles Sumner, the centennial cele- 
bration of Bunker Hill, and the State reception to President Hayes in 1877. 
B. J. Lang has been its music director since its formation. Its member- 
ship has included some of the finest vocalists of this neighborhood among 
its active members, and many of the best citizens among its associates. Its 
success has been such that similar clubs have been formed all over the 
country, several taking the same name. It has convenient club-rooms, and 
a small hall for its private weekly rehearsals, at 151 Tremont Street. Its 
concerts are generally given in the Music Hall. 

The Boylston Club, a private musical society, was organized in 1872 for 
the study of music for the male voices alone. Its first public appearance 
was in 1873. ^^ 1876 the purpose and resources of the club were enlarged 
by the addition of an auxiliary chorus of ladies. The club contains three 
distinct bodies, — a complete and carefully-trained male chorus, a four-part 
female chorus, and a mixed chorus, so formed that it is, in fact, a combina- 
tion of two complete choruses, — a first and a second. In its public per- 
formances, each of these three bodies is fully represented. None but 
competent singers are admitted to active membership, and under stringent 
regulations as to attendance at rehearsals. The active membership now 



I06 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

numbers 90 ladies and 90 gentlemen. In 1878 the club gave a complete 
mass by Palestrlna, and the famous B-flat motet of Bach, both of which 
were heard for the first time in this country at the concerts of this club. 
Its purpose is to produce at its performances only such works as stand 
highest in the literature of music. J. B. Sharland was the first, and George 
L. Osgood the present director. 

The Cecilia Society was organized in 1874 as an auxiliary of the Har- 
vard Musical Association. It consists of a mixed chorus of about 100 
voices, picked from the best solo singers in Boston. Through its first two 
seasons the society took part in seven of the Harvard Symphony Concerts ; 
but in 1876 the connection with the Harvard Association was dissolved, 
and the society re-organized on a basis similar to that of the Apollo and 
Boylston Clubs. About 250 members were received ; and these, in consid- 
eration of tickets to the concerts of the society, bear its expenses. Several 
concerts are given in the course of each season ; and entrance to them is 
secured only by membership, or by invitation of members. Since its organi- 
zation the society has sung compositions of Mendelssohn, Schumann, Du- 
rante, Weber, Gade, Schubert, Bach, Max Bruch, Hoffmann, Liszt, Handel, 
Rheinberger, and others. B. J. Lang has been its only musical director. 

The Orpheus Musical Society is the leading musical association among 
the Germans of Boston. It was organized in 1848, and at the start con- 
sisted exclusively of Germans ; but as their number in those days in Boston 
was small its beginning was rather humble, and in marked contrast with its 
present prosperous circumstances. The excellence of the German music, 
and the delightful sociability that characterized the institution, made it 
remarkably attractive to the American friends of the members ; and they 
were finally admitted to associate membership, and even to full membership 
when their mastery of German proved such as to enable them to join in the 
singing. The society is composed almost half of Americans. While the 
tone of the institution is still thoroughly German, the singing being kept 
exclusively in that language, out of courtesy to the American members the 
official proceedings are now conducted and the records kept in English. 
The society, during each season, gives several concerts in its rooms, which 
are also often the scene of other pleasant festivities. It differs from most 
other musical organizations of the city in giving greater prominence to 
sociable and convivial features. The society takes a leading part in the 
reception of distinguished Germans who visit Boston. Ottomar Wallburg 
is now its president, and Julius Eichberg was the music director for many 
years. Joseph B. Claus is now the director. 

Other Prominent German Musical Societies are the Singing Section of 
the Boston Turnverein, the Harugari Liederkranz, the St. Michel's, the Rox- 
bury Mannerchor, the Liederkranz, and the South Boston Liedertafel. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 107 



Wi^z Brain of tfje Citg* 

THE UNIVERSITIES, COLLEGES, PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND OTHER 
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 

THE educational institutions of Boston and its vicinity have, from the 
earliest days, maintained a most prominent and enviable position. 
After them have been patterned many of the educational institutions of 
other cities of this country, and to them it has long been the custom of the 
patriotic Bostonian to "point with pride." This position has been won by 
constant care and attention, a wise and liberal management, and a generous 
and intelligent expenditure of money. Boston was the first to establish, 
nearly 250 years ago, free schools, open alike to all, since which time her 
schools have been most jealously fostered and cherished ; and now there 
exist within her limits public schools giving instruction to about 52,000 
pupils, at a cost for salaries alone of $1,215,782, and an annual expenditure 
of over $1,500,000, one university (the Boston University), one college (the 
Boston College), one polytechnic school (the Institute of Technology), and 
one normal art school, besides nearly 100 private schools, and several free 
denominational schools. There are also a nvmiber of special schools, some 
of which have particularly interesting features. In her immediate neighbor- 
hood are the great University at Cambridge, — the first university in the new 
country, which stands to-day the best-endowed and the most extensive insti- 
tution of the kind in America; Wellesley College, at Wellesley; and Tufts 
College, on College Hill, on the line dividing Somerville from Medford. 
This chapter will contain sketches of some of tlie many prominent and char- 
acteristic educational institutions of Boston and its vicinity. 

Harvard University was founded in 1638, and is still administered under 
the charter granted in 1650. The principal seat of the university is at 
Cambridge; but three departments, the Medical School, Dental School, and 
Bussey Institution (a school of agriculture and horticulture), are situated in 
Boston. Through the men who have been trained within its walls, the insti- 
tution has had an important part in forming the character and establishing 
the fame of Boston ; and it has itself been deeply influenced in turn by the 
strong public spirit of Boston, and has been built up and directed largely 
by Boston men. For two generations after the settlement of the country. 
Harvard was the only college in New England ; and almost all the native- 
born clergy were educated there, the clergy being the ruling class. A large 



lo8 KING'S HANDS 00 JC OF BOSTON. 

proportion of the families which have been eminent in Boston and Massa- 
chusetts are families whose sons, in several generations, have been trained 
at Harvard. Among the scores of such family-names, those of Adams, 
Lowell, Mather, Otis, Prescott, Saltonstall, Warren, and Winthrop may be 
mentioned as having not only a local, but a national, reputation. Among 
individuals who were conspicuous in Boston in their day, and earned a fame 
which outlasts their generation, such men as Increase Mather, James Bow- 
doin, John Hancock, John Ouincy Adams, William Ellerj' Channing, and 
Charles Sumner come at once to mind, all of whom are identified with the 
history of Harvard by the love they bore her and the services they rendered 
her. 

The prevailing intellectual tone or temper of the university, like that of 
the town of Boston, has always been free. The university is hospitable to 
all religious and political opinions; but its inclination, and that of a majority 
of its graduates, from the earliest times, has uniformly been towards the side 
of liberty in Church and State. The particular manifestation of this inclina- 
tion has changed from generation to generation, but the tendency has been 
constant and plain to be seen. 

While cherished and honored by the State, Harvard University has been, 
from the first, a private, incorporated institution, supported, in the main, first 
by the fees paid by its students, and secondly by the income of permanent 
funds given by benevolent individuals. At present (1879) ^^''^ value of its 
lands, buildings, collections, and invested funds is roughly estimated at 
$6,000,000. In the year ending Sept. i, 1877, its receipts from students for 
instruction were $204,319.44, its total income being $544,878.17. It has 125 
teachers (of whom 52 are professors), besides 26 librarians, proctors, and 
other oflScers. It counts 1,344 students, of whom 980 are pursuing liberal 
studies, and 464 professional. 

The government of Harvard University may be briefly described as 
follows : The legal title of the corporation is the " President and Fellows 
of Harvard College." The corporation, — consisting of the president, fel- 
lows (five in number), and treasurer, — and the board of overseers (thirty- 
two in number), are the governing powers of the whole university, which 
comprehends the following departments: Harvard College, the Divinity 
School, the Law School, the Medical School, the Dental School, the Law- 
rence Scientific School, the Museum of Comparative Zoology, the Bussey 
Institution, the college library, and the astronomical observatory. The Pea- 
body Museum of American Archaeology and Ethnology is a constituent part 
of the university; but its relations to it are affected by peculiar provisions. 
The twenty-second president of Harvard is Charles W. Eliot, who has filled 
the executive chair for the past ten years. It is within the scope of this 
work to mention only those Harvard buildings that are inside the limits of 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOS7'ON. 



[09 



Boston; but all of the numerous buildins^s used by the university are briefly 
described and fully illustrated in a neat hand-book, entitled " Harvard and its 
Surroundings." No catalogue is issued by the university, but an ofificial 
catalogue, containing information regarding all departments of Harvard Uni- 
versity, and complete lists of the officers, faculty, and students, is published 
by Charles W. Sever, proprietor of the University Bookstore, Cambridge. 

The Bussey Institution is at Jamaica Plain, near Forest-Hills Station, 
on the Boston and Providence Railroad. It is a school of agriculture and 
horticulture, and was established as a department of Harvard University, 
under trusts created by the will of Benjamin Bussey of Roxbury. In 1870 
the school was organized; and during the same year a commodious building 
of Roxbury pudding-stone, 112 by 73 feet, in the Victoria Gothic architec- 
ture, was erected. By the end of the next year greenhouses and sheds 
were built, the grounds and avenues laid out, and a water-supply provided. 




The Bussey Institution, Jamaica Plain. 



The main building contains an office, a librarv of 2.000 special books, recita- 
tion and collection rooms, and a laboratory, with storerooms and a glass- 
house attached. The cost of putting up and furnishing these buildings was 
$62,000. In 1872 the University received $100,000 from James Arnold of 
New Bedford, who left that sum to establish in the Bussey Institution a 
professorship of tree-culture, and to create an arboretum which will ulti- 
mately contain all trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants that can grow there 
in the open air. The whole of the Bussey estate recently passed into the 
hands of the University. It comprises 360 acres, of which 137 acres have 



no KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

been assigned for the arboretum, and are now being laid out with walks ana 
roadways. With the natural beauties of the estate it will, as an open park, 
make a delightful resort. The dean of the Bussey Institution is Professor 
Francis H. Storer. 

The Harvard Dental School is at 50 Allen Street, a short distance from 
the Harvard Medical School. Its basis of instruction is greatly different 
from that of other dental schools. Here the terms of the Dental School 
coincide with those of the other departments of the university, and last for 
nine, instead of the usual four months ; and the course is a progressive one 
of two years, no part of the instruction of the first year being repeated in 
the second. Before the student can enter upon his second year he must 
pass a satisfactory examination in the studies of the first year, which are 
identical with those of the first year in the Medical School, and under the 
same jDrofessors. Three years of study are necessary for admission to 
examination for a degree, but one year can be passed under a private 
instructor. The faculty includes sixteen instructors, of whom six are pro- 
fessors. The dean of the Dental School is Dr. T. H. Chandler, whose 
office is at 222 Tremont Street. 



K 




" ■' ' ' — 




The Harvard Medical School, North Grove Street. 

The Harvard Medical School was founded in 1782, as the result of a 
very successful course of lectures delivered in Boston before the Boston 
Medical Society by Dr. John Warren, a brother of Gen. Joseph Warren. 
The school was carried on in Cambridge until 1810, when it was removed 
to Boston, "to secure those advantages for clinical instruction and for the 
study of practical anatorhy which are found only in large cities." In 1816 
it took possession of a building erected on Mason Street, by means of a 



KING'S IIAXDBOOK OF BOSTON. Ill 

grant obtained from the State, expressl\- for medical instruction. There it 
remained until 1846, when the three-story brick building now used was built 
on North Grove Street, upon land given by Dr. George Parkman. This 
building, which adjoins the Massachusetts General Hospital, contains chem- 
ical laboratories, lecture-room, and apparatus for more than 100 students; 
microscopical and physiological laboratories ; medical and clinical lecture- 
rooms : professors' and demonstrators' rooms; a library of 2,500 medical 
works: an anatomical theatre ; and a museum hall. In the museum hall is 
kept the Warren Anatomical Museum, of which the original collection, 
accompanied by $6,000 for its care and increase, was given by Dr. John 
Collins Warren. The museum, which has received man}- generous dona- 
tions, is to-day one of the best of its kind in the country. It contains also 
a very extensive and carefully arranged cabinet, deposited by the Boston 
Society for Medical Improvement. A new building is needed, and it will 
be erected as soon as a site can be selected, more than Si 50,000 having 
already been secured for this purpose. The school, which has 241 stu- 
dents and 36 instructors, including 12 professors, is in a flourishing condi- 
tion. The dean of the Medical School is Dr. Calvin Ellis. 

Wellesley College has unquestionably the largest and handsomest build- 
ing in the world devoted exclusively to the higher education of women. It 
is situated in the beautiful village of Wellesley, about 15 miles from the 
Boston City Hall, on Lake Waban. The grounds, comprising 300 acres, 
had for many years been cultivated as a gentleman's country-seat, and 
remind one of an English park. The building, with its wings, is 475 
feet long, four and five stories high. It is of brick, trimmed with freestone. 
This building, designed by Hammatt Billings, the ''artist architect," and 
considered by him his masterpiece, is celebrated for its superb architecture 
and thorough construction. The college has been successful ever since it 
was opened in 1875. The number of students is 330, — the largest number 
at any female college in the world. The standard of study is similar to that 
of the foremost colleges for young men. The library, which now contains 
20,000 volumes, has a capacity of 100,000 volumes. The apparatus, cabinets, 
and laboratories are extensive, and fully up to the requirements of modern 
science. The six distinct courses of study are as follows: the general 
collegiate, the courses for honors in classics, in mathematics, in modern 
languages, in science, and a five-years' course in music. The college is char- 
tered by the State, and is empowered to confer all the collegiate and honorary 
degrees that are conferred by anv Massachusetts college or university. The 
College Aid Society spend from $6,000 to $7,000 a year to assist poor girls 
to secure an education. The college is already a national institution, drawing 
its students from nearly every State in the Union. The average age of the 



112 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

students is about 20 years. The number of teachers is 30. The president 
is Ada L. Howard. 



Wellesley College, Wellesley. 

The Boston University, witli temporary headquarters at 18 and 20 Bea- 
con Street, is an institution founded by Isaac Rich, Lee Claflin, and Jacob 
Sleeper, in 1869, and includes at present three colleges, four professional 
schools, and a post-graduate department of universal science. The College 
of Liberal Arts was opened in 1873. Its location is in the Beacon-street 
building, between the Athenaeum and Park Street. It is distinguished for 
its high requirements for admission, and for the strictness with which it 
limits itself to purely collegiate instruction. For the present, the college 



114 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

avails itself of the laboratories of the Institute of Technology. The Col- 
lege of Music, established in 1872, is located in the Music-Hall building. 
This is the only institution of its kind in America, being intended for the 
graduates of the ordinary musical colleges and conservatories. The Col- 
lege of Agriculture was established in 1875 by an agreement with the Massa- 
chusetts Agricultural College at Amherst. The School of Theology, for- 
merly the " Boston Theological Seminary," 36 Bromfield Street, was adopted 
by the university corporation in 1871. It is the oldest theological school of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, but has long employed lecturers and in- 
structors of other ecclesiastical affiliations also. The School of Law was the 
first in this country to present a three-years' course of study, and limits 
the degree of bachelor of laws to those candidates who had already taken 
the first degree in arts (A.B.). The school is at 36 Bromfield Street. The 
School of Medicine is the only one in the country presenting courses of 
instruction four years in duration, and which (at the end of three-years' 
courses) confers the degree of bachelor of medicine or bachelor of surgery. 
Most of its Faculty are homoeopathic in theory, but its statutes provide 
for the co-operation of any incorporated State medical society in the United 
States in the testing and graduation of students. A cut of its building on 
Concord Street is given on another page. For several years past the whole 
number of students attending the Schools of Theology, Law, and Medicine 
has exceeded the aggregate of the same classes of students in any other 
American university. The School of Oratory is in the Congregational 
House, corner of Beacon and Somerset Streets. It has a faculty of twelve 
instructors, and courses of two and three years. The crowning department 
of the university is the School of All Sciences, organized exclusively for 
post-graduate instruction in liberal studies. With it are associated the 
faculties of the National University at Athens and the Royal University at 
Rome. It is claimed that Boston University was the first in the world to 
organize from the start and throughout without respect to sex. Ex-Gov. 
William Claflin, LL.D., is president of the board of trustees; and the Rev. 
Wilham F. W^arren, S.T.D., LL.D., is president of the university. 

The Boston University School of Medicine is, like all other departments 
of the Boston University, open alike to both sexes. It was organized in 
1873: and in the following year, by legislative act, the New-England Female 
Medical College, the first school to instruct women in medicine, was united 
with it. This school was one of the first to establish a regular graded course 
of instruction ; and it has been the constant aim of the faculty to make this 
instruction as thorough, extensive, and practical as possible. For this pur- 
pose an optional year has been added, making the full course four years, 
with the privilege of gaining the baccalaureate degree at the end of the third 
year. The school is situated on East Concord Street, opposite the City 



AT/JVC'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 115 

Hospital, and close by the Massachusetts Homffiopathic Hospital. It has 
spacious grounds with large and convenient buildings, a library of 2,000 
volumes, museum, chemical and microscopical laboratories, and extensive 
apparatus for teaching and illustration. From its proximity to hospitals and 
dispensaries, it gives its students excellent facilities for practical observation 
and instruction. The faculty includes 27 professors, lecturers, and instruct- 
ors ; and, although many of these are prominent homa?o])athic plivsicians, 
yet every department of medicine, surgery, and the collateral sciences re- 
ceives proper attention. The success of this schoolhas been quite remark- 
able : upwards of 400 students have been in attendance ; and in the past five 
years it has graduated 153 physicians, — 104 men and 40 women, — nearly 
all of whom are now engaged in successful practice. The dean of the 
school is I. T. Talbot, M.D., 66 Marlborough Street. 

Boston College was founded in 1S63 by the Fathers of the Society of 
Jesus, and it is conducted by them. It is located on Harrison Avenue, next 
adjoining the Church of the Immaculate Conception; and the value of its 
building and grounds is estimated at about $200,000. The course is long 
and thorough, and classical studies occupy a prominent place in it. It has a 
corps of 16 professors and other instructors. The number of students is 
120, and increases from year to year. Robert Fulton, S.J., is the president. 

Tufts College, on College Hill. Medford, is under control of the Univer- 
salist denomination. It is well endowed, enjoying the revenue of nearly 
$1,000,000, and has several scholarships. It has a classical course of' four 
years, a four-vears' course for the degree of bachelor of philosophy, a three- 
years' engineering course, and a divinity school. The collegiate department 
has 12 professors and instructors, and the divinity school 5 professors and 
instructors and i lecturer. The president is Elmer H. Capen. who has 
held that ofifice since 1875. The college was chartered in 1852, and o])ened 
in 1854. It has several commodious buildings, and occupies one of the 
most sightly spots about Boston. 

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology was incorporated in 1 861, 
for the purpose of instituting and maintairring a Society of Arts, a Museum 
of Arts, and a School of Industrial Science. The Society of Arts now 
numbers between 200 and 300 members, and meets at its rooms in the 
Institute building fortnightly. The Museum has been well started, and 
includes models of machinery, casts, prints, drawings, architectural plans, 
etc. The building is of pressed brick, with freestone trimmings, and stands 
on a lot of land granted by the State, bounded by Boylston, Clarendon, New- 
bury, and Berkeley Streets. The Institute receives government aid under 
the act of Congress designed to promote instruction in agriculture, the 
mechanic arts, and military science and tactics ; is authorized to confer 
degrees, and is obliged to provide for military instruction. The school has 



Ii6 



A'/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



about 40 instructors and 300 students. There are nine courses, — those of 
civil and topographical engineering, mechanical engineering, geology and 
mining engineering, building and architecture, chemistry, metallurgy, natural 
history, science and literature, and physics. Each course extends through 
four years. A School of Mechanic Arts, in which special prominence is 
given to manual instruction, has also been established. The Institute has 
a large temporary building for shop-work and chemistry, a gymnasium, and 




The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boylston Street. 

a drill-shed where the students are trained in military tactics. In the Insti- 
tute building proper, there are over 50 rooms, most of them being laborato- 
ries or lecture-rooms in the various departments. There is also a large and 
elegant audience-room, called Huntington Hall, with a seating capacity of 
900. A restaurant is kept in the gymnasium. The president of the Insti- 
tute is William B. Rogers, LL.D. 

A school of industrial design is maintained, in connection with the Insti- 
tute of Technology, by the Lowell Institute fund. 

The Boston Public Schools, according to the recent report, comprise 
^TS general and 27 special schools in the city; of the former, 116 are 
primary, 49 grammar, 9 high, and 1 normal. Of the special schools, the 



A'/NG'S HANLTBOOK OF BOSTON. 117 

two for licensed minors are on North Margin Street and East-street Place ; 
the Horace Mann School for the Deaf is on Wairrenton Street; and the kin- 
dergarten on Somerset Street. The other 23 are evening-schools, for teach- 
ing the elementary and classical branches and drawing ; and their annual 
winter sessions are held in school buildings in various parts of the city. 
In the general schools, during the school year 1877-78, there were 55,412 
pupils, taught by 1,244 teachers ; 70 licensed minors and about 75 deaf-mutes 
were also under instruction, besides 36 scholars in the kindergarten. The 
evening-schools had an average attendance of 1,694. The salaries of the 
teachers for the past year amounted to $1,157,746.09. The system is under 
the control of the mayor, and board of school committee, a body of 24 
persons, 8 of whom are chosen annually for a term of three years. The 
authority of the board is almost absolute, even in making appropriations 
from the city treasury; but the real work of managing the schools is dele- 
gated to the superintendent, Samuel Eliot, and the supervisors, Benjamin F. 
Tweed, Samuel W. Mason, Ellis Peterson, George M. Folsom, John Knee- 
land, and Lucretia Crocker, — a former member of the school committee, 
to which women have been eligible since 1874. This board of supervisors 
costs the city $26,880 annually. All the general schools are strictly graded ; 
and promotions take place twice a year, by a system of uniform examina- 
tions. The course of the primary-school is three years ; of the grammar- 
school six years ; and of the high-school three years, with advanced instruc- 
tion in the two central high-schools. When preparing for college, boys at 
nine years of age, and girls at twelve, are admitted to their respective Latin 
schools, where the course for the former is eight years, and for the latter 
six years. The majority of the primary-schools throughout the city, and 
nearly all suburban schools, are mixed ; but the tendency of the system is 
to separate the sexes in all but the youngest classes. A new programme of 
studies has just been prepared by the supervisors, and sent to the teachers ; 
and in this a great amount of oral teaching is prescribed, especially in the 
primary-schools. Grammar is superseded by what are called language- 
lessons, and the spelling-book is abolished. The metric system is to be 
taught, and natural philosophy and physiology are to be taken up in the 
higher grammar-classes. Drawing and music have long been regular studies 
in all the schools, and sewing is taught in the lower half of the the girls' 
grammar-schools. 

The Boston Latin-School, on Bedford Street, is more interesting than 
any of the other schools, partly from its character as a preparatory school 
for college, and partly from its many traditions. It was founded in 1635, 
a long time before any other city school now existing, and ten years 
before any other school of its class in Massachusetts. Among its masters 
were Ezekiel Cheever, for 40 years ; John Lovell, for 40 years ; Benjamin 



ii8 



KING'S handbook: of boston. 



Apthorp Gould ; Epes S. Dixwell ; and Francis Gardner, who for 44 years 
was usher, sub-master, master, and head master. The present head master is 

Moses Merrill. 
The graduates 
have formed 
an association, 
and own a fine 
library of 3,- 
000 volumes, 
which are kept 
in the school- 
building. The 
school itself 
owns a very 
good collec- 
tion of objects 
illustrating the 
history and 
topography of 
Greece and 
Rome. In the 
large hall of 




The Boston Latin- School, Bedford Street. 



the school stands a marble monument to the memory of graduates who fell 
in the civil war. The design is by Richard Greenough, and represents 
Victory holding out the wreath which has been earned by those whose 
names are inscribed on the pedestal beneath her feet. The first Latin- 
school stood on the site of the present City Hall, from which School Street 
derived its name. Afterwards it was removed to the site of the Parker 
House, thence to its present location. 

The New English-High and Latin School building, which the city of 
Boston is now erecting on the lot fronting on Warren Avenue, Montgomery 
and Dartmouth Streets, is the largest structure in America devoted to edu- 
cational purposes, and the largest in the world used as a fcee public school. 
The building was begun in 1877; and that portion to be used by the schools 
will be completed in July, 1880, at a total cost of about $425,000. The 
Dartmouth-street front, which is to be occupied by the school-board and its 
officers, will be added hereafter. The structure is designed after the Ger- 
man plan, the principle of which is the hollow square with corridors follow- 
ing its outlines. All the schoolrooms front on the streets ; and the width 
of the whole building is simply the width of a room and its corridor, thus 
insuring the best light and ventilation. There will be 56 schoolrooms, each 
accommodating 40 pupils. The great court-yard is divided in the centre by 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 119 

corridors connecting with a " theatre " building, that contains two lecture- 
halls, with a seating-capacity of 225 each ; with cabinet-rooms, and two 
library-rooms for both schools, — the Latin-school, with its front on Warren 
Avenue, and the English high-school, on Montgomery Street. The two 
schools are connected in the rear by a drill-hall and gymnasium, for the use 
of both schools in common, occupying the south side of the quadrangle. 
The chemical laboratory and a lecture-room will be in a detached building. 
The entire building will be, when completed, 420 feet long, and 220 feet 
wide. At present, without the administration building (as the part reserved 
for the school-board will be called), it is 339 feet long. It has three stories 
and a basement, the latter being a clere-story facing the courts. The style 
is a modern Renaissance ; having all the lines of strength treated architec- 
turally in stone, the frieze-courses inlaid with terra-cotta. while the back- 
ground is of Philadelphia brick. Practically the building is fireproof 
throughout. Each of the schoolrooms is surrounded by brick walls, form- 
ing fireproof sections. The staircases are of iron ; and the four that are in 
each building are in width proportioned to the number to be accommodated. 
Great care has been given to the sanitary regulations. The interior finish 
is of Michigan oak. The exhibition halls are arranged in amphitheatre 
form, 62 by 82 feet, and 25 feet high. The drill-hall is a grand feature. It 
is on the street-level, 130 feet long by 60 feet wide, and 30 feet high, with 
entrances from Warren Avenue, Montgomery and Clarendon Streets, and 
the court-yard. The floor is of thick plank, calked like a ship's deck, and 
is laid upon solid concrete. The hall is to accommodate the whole school- 
battalion, and can also be used for mounted drill. The drill-hall, with its 
galleries, could seat 3,000 persons. It, and also the gymnasium above, of 
the same size, are to be finished in natural materials, and treated so as to 
get a constructional effect of open timber-work, the wood being of hard 
pine, shellacked and varnished ; the walls of Philadelphia brick, laid in 
bright red mortar, and trimmed with sandstone. The basement story and 
the court-yards are to be specially fitted up for play-room. The entire 
building, which will be an excellent model of good workmanship, a glory 
of the city, and a credit to the artisans, was designed by the city architect, 
George A. Clough. 

The Normal School is in the third story of the Rice-school building, on 
Dartmouth Street; and the Rice school is now the Rice Training-school; 
which o-ives an opportunity to the Normal-school pupils to obtain some 
knowledge of the methods of teaching. The school was established in 1854. 
and is expressly for girls. The head master is Larkin Dunton. 

The Girls' High-School, on Newton Street, occupies a large building, 
originally designed for the high and normal schools. It was comi)leted in 
1870, and at that time was believed to be the largest, most substantial, and 



I20 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOS TO A'. 



costly school edifice in the United States. The large hall in the upper 
story contains various casts from antique sculpture and statuary, the con- 
tributions of a number of gentlemen. 

Of the many schools having interesting features we may mention the 
English high-school in a building on Bedford Street, differing from the sub- 
urban high-schools only in being exclusively for boys, and in having male 
teachers, and a greater variety of educational apparatus. Among the gram- 
mar-schools at which one finds the best class of scholars are the Dwight, 

the Everett, and the Exeter- 
street : the last-named is 
the finest school-building 
in the city. In the Eliot, 
at the North End, one may 
find whole classes in which 
every member partly main- 
tains himself, and in which 
every one is very poor. 
')nly good disciplinarians 
an govern these children, 
I lid the traditions of the 
chool are exceedingly 
amusing. A thorough sys- 
tem of gymnastics in use 
-^ here was invented by Mr. 
Mason, one of the present 
supervisors, while he was 
master of this school. The Emerson school, in East Boston, is among 
those famous for the penmanship of their scholars. The Rice primary- 
school occupies a position similar to that held by the Dwight and Everett 
among grammar-schools ; and the Genesee-street primary is noted for the 
absolute poverty of its scholars. It is worth visiting, because the results 
of the primary-school system are more plainly evident than in schools 
attended by a better class of children. The difference between the slovenly 
little creatures who have been in the school a few weeks, and the neat, alert 
boys and girls of the upper classes, justify the Bostonian in assuming an air 
of pride as he asks, " What do you think of our public schools?" 




The GirU' High-School, West Newton Street. 



The private schools of the city number about loo; and about 5,000 
pupils find instruction in free denominational schools, so called, which are 
chiefly Catholic institutions. 

The Chauncy-hall School, Nos. 259 to 265 Boylston Street, near Dart- 
mouth Street, is a private school of high reputation, that was established in 



fC/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



1828 by the hite G. F. Thayer. The present schoolhouse is the property 
of a corporation, composed chiefly of former pupils and patrons, of which 
George B. Chase is president, and Benjamin W. Gilbert is treasurer. The 
Chauncv-Hall school is now conducted by Thomas Gushing and William 
H. Ladd as principals. The schoolhouse was originally in Chauncy Place; 
subsequently in Essex Street; and in 1873, the building having been burned, 
the present site was occupied. The building is excellently adapted to its 
purposes, and un- 



usual care has been 
devoted to proper 
ventilation, heat- 
ing, etc. ; while the 
furniture is on a 
new pattern, and is 
free from any ten- 
dency to cause in- 
juries to health, 
the foundation of 
which is so often 
laid in school. The 
advantages of the 
division of labor 
in instruction and 
of the departmen- 
tal system are 
thoroughly estab- 
lished by the ex- 
perience of the 
managers. Tlic 
school is designed 
to furnish a com- 
plete course of 
school - education, 

beginning with the kindergarten and the primary school, and continuing 
through the upper departments in preparation for the university, the Insti- 
tute of Technology, or for business. Military drill is practised three times 
a week, and there is an excellent gymnasium. There is also a laboratory in 
the school-building. Special students are admitted to participate in the 
lessons of such classes as they choose and are fit for. Girls are admitted 
to the classes of the primary and upper departments and as special students. 
The Massachusetts Normal Art-School was established by the State in 
1873, as a training-school, for the purpose of qualifying teachers and masters 




The Chauncy-Hall School, Boylston Street. 



122 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

of industrial drawing. Its chief aim at present is to prepare teachers for 
the industrial drawing-schools of the State, who can also direct and superin- 
tend the instruction in this branch in the public schools. The demand for 
these teachers is the result of an act passed by the legislature in 1870, 
making instruction in this branch obligatory in the public day-schools, and 
requiring cities and towns containing more than 10,000 inhabitants to pro- 
vide free instruction in industrial drawing to persons over 15 years of age. 
This school occupies ten rooms in the School-street Block, 28 School Street. 
All students are over sixteen years of age, and are charged as follows ; 
residents of the State, no tuition, but $20 a year for incidental expenses; 
non-residents, only a tuition of $100 a year. The attendance Dec. i, 1878, 
is 150, — 116 women, 34 men. The director of the school is Walter Smith. 

The New-England Conservatory of Music at Boston, under the direc- 
tion of Dr. Eben Tourjee, is one of the largest and best-appointed musical 
institutes in the world. Of this worthy institution and its already celebrated 
founder, "Harper's New Monthly Magazine" said: — 

"Twenty-five years ago there was nothing in this country deserving the 
name, if it aped the title, of a music-school. Eben Tourjde, then scarcely 
more than a lad, seeking vainly for instruction and advantages that to-day 
are within reach of the humblest, resolved, with that one idea, persistency, 
which from time immemorial characterizes great reformers, that one day 
there should exist in this land a school of music, where art should be placed 
on the same footing as other studies in our higher institutions of learning; 
where it should not be viewed merely as an accomplishment, but rather as 
an integral part of a well-rounded, complete education, to be pursued, not 
spasmodically, but with systematic thoroughness. In 1851 young Tourjee 
unfolded his plans for a music-school to one whose specialty lay in the 
direction of commercial training. This gentleman proposed a joint com- 
mercial and musical college, — a union which strikes one like the propo- 
sition of a would-be Yankee Meyerbeer to set the Constitution to a sym- 
phony. Fortunately for the true progress of music, this idea was [never 
entertained by Tourjee, and] never developed. But in 1853 we find Mr. 
Tourjee endeavoring to interest prominent musical and educational profes- 
sors in Boston in his project for a musical conservatory, to embrace the best 
elements of the foreign schools. All professed interest, but condemned the 
scheme as visionary. The capital could never be raised ; there would not 
be pupils enough to form classes, or warrant the employment of suitable 
teachers; in short, if it ever was to be done, Mr. Tourjee must do it himself, 
raise a fund, start a college, and get himself elected president, — a mocking 
prophecy, which ere long brought its own fulfilment. Nothing daunted, 
through 1853-54 Mr. Tourjee continued his classes in piano, organ, voice; 
and, never losing sight of his central thought, he found time to issue and 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



123 



conduct an able little paper, called ' The Key-Note,' in which he endeavored 
to encourage the study of music on a higher basis than that usually pursued, 
indicating with prophetic utterance the future of music in this country." 
From that time Dr. Tourjee's whole efforts have been directed to the 
advancement of the musical culture not only of the few, but also of the 
many. An exceedingly interesting history could be written of his labors 
and successes ; but the grand result is shown in the New-England Con- 
servatory, for in it he has been favored with the patronage of more than 
20,000 persons, and through it he gives instruction to more than 1,000 pre- 
sons annually. To him are the people all over the country indebted for the 
conservatories patterned after the grand institution for which he laid the 
foundation, and which he has built up successfully. We have not the space 
to give the details of the workings of this institution ; but one item shows 
somewhat the good that it is doing the people. Here, under a board of 
instruction comprising 75 of the best teachers of music in New England, 
many of whom have national reputations, a person can obtain 125 hours in- 
struction in music for the sum of $15. The New-England Conservatory was 
established in 1867, and now occupies 25 rooms in the Music-Hall building. 

The Lowell Institute, one of the most unique of the educational institu- 
tions of Boston, was established in 1839, by the munificence of John Lowell, 
"to provide for regular courses of free public lectures upon the most impor- 
tant branches of natural and moral science, to be annually delivered in the 
city of Boston." Besides the School of Industrial Design connected with 
the Institute of Technology, two drawing-schools were until this year main- 
tained by this fund. The Lowell Institute hall is in the rear of Washington 
Street, between Bromfield and Winter Streets. 

The Simmons Female College, for the purpose of teaching " medicine, 
music, drawing, designing, telegraphy, and other branches of art, science, 
and industry best calculated to enable the scholars to acquire an independent 
livelihood," was provided for by the will of John Simmons in 1870. He left 
store and dwelling property in the city, valued at the time at about $1,400,000, 
the income from which, under certain conditions and after certain payments, 
was to be applied to the establishment of the college. But a portion of the 
property having been destroyed in the Great Fire, and the income being 
seriously impaired by the cost of rebuilding and the depression in business, 
nothing has been done by the trustees to carry out the project. 

The American College and Education Society, with its office at No. 10 
Congregational House, has for its ojjjects the promotion of Protestant theo-. 
logical education; and with this purpose it aids Western colleges, and many 
young men, candidates for the ministry. Charles Benedict of Waterbury, 
Conn., is president; and Increase N. Tarbox, D.D., secretary. It is unsec- 
tarian, though its funds and students are drawn chiefly from Congregational 
sources. 



124 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

The Society to Encourage Studies at Home, organized in 1873, has met 
with remarkable success, which it seems to fully merit. Its purpose is to 
induce young ladies to devote some part of every day to thorough and sys- 
tematic study. To carry out this purpose, courses of reading and plans of 
work are arranged, and thorough directions and advice are given ; and finally 
an annual meeting is held, where the students can meet the instructors. 
The instruction is given by more than 100 correspondents. During the past 
year there were 899 students, of whom 343 selected history ; 347 English 
literature ; 139 science ; 114 art ; 49 German; and 29 French. The society 
also owns a library, from which books are sent everywhere to its members. 
The cost of membership is $2.00 a year, merely to cover the incidental 
expenses. The secretary is Miss Anna E. Ticknor, daughter of the late 
George Ticknor ; and communications are to be sent to her l^y mail, ad- 
dressed to No. 9 Park Street. 

The American Metric Bureau occupies a part of the second story of 32 
Hawley Street, in the "book-district" of Boston. It is an important educa- 
tional society, and is composed of professors in colleges, teachers in high 
schools, superintendents of education, and many persons from all profes- 
sions, and from every line of business. It is introducing the International 
Decimal System of Weights and Measures. It has the largest collection 
extant of charts, books, apparatus, weights, and measures, illustrating the 
metric system, and forming a Metric Museum of more than 1,000 different 
articles, that are freely exhibited and explained to all interested. The secre- 
tary and three assistants have charge of the office, and give copies of explan- 
atory pamphlets to all applicants, or mail them without charge. The Bureau 
is incorporated, the same as the Bible Society, as a missionary society for 
educational purposes. It sent out the first year over a half-million pages, 
illustrating the system, and explaining its advantages. Visitors to Boston 
are often taken to the Bureau as one of the curiosities of the " City of 
Notions," as nothing of the kind can be seen elsewhere. 

The American Library Association is in the same office with the Ameri- 
,can Metric Bureau, and is composed of the leading librarians of the country, 
and aims to increase the number of readers, improve their methods, raise 
the standard of reading, and reduce its cost. The work is done through 
the free public libraries. The visitor's interest in the office lies in the Bibli- 
lOthecal Museum, comprising a collection of catalogues, reports, and other 
ilibrary publications, and thousands of blanks, devices, and appliances of 
every sort used in libraries at home or abroad. These are arranged both 
by libraries and by subjects. Of still greater interest to public or private 
librarians are the working models recommended by the Association. These 
include nearly every thing tangible that pertains to the successful manage- 
ment of a library. The whole collection is fully and freely explained to 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



125 



visitors. The secretary of the Library Association, Melvil Dewey, is also 
the editor of "The Library Journal," the official publication of the libraries 
both of this country and of Great Britain. 

The Spelling Reform Association ia thb tliurd sogieti having hedkwer- 
tera hiir. This ia veri lik tiife Metric Biiro in its membership and methoda. 
Its dbject and nieto ia ' fliii Simplificejun ev Iijglish ©rthegrafi.' It cezez 
raatur tu bis printed and ritn in tliii nil speling, distribiits pamflets, explana 
tliE nil method, and the vital impertans ev the referm tu eni pregres in popu- 
lar ediicGjun. Its efi(;era incliid at er ten ev tlife most eminent fileiocjists, six 
ev them biiing ex-preaidents ev thi3 Filolerjical Asojiejuna ev America and Igg- 
land. This general efi^ ev thij najunal er internajunal asojiejuu ia ev interest 
in bi?ing thi3 hedkwertera fer speling referm publicojuna, tipa, stajuneri, and 
infermajun. Aa this and tliE Metric Sovjeti am tu remuv tiiij gratest ebstacia 
tu tliE spred ev pepiilar ediicajun, and tlife Librei-i AsoJ"iaJ"un tu cari forward 
tliat ediicajun bi furnijing thfe best rfeding frfeli tu thoa hum diij skula liav tet tu 
rfed, diB cembind ofi<;es ev tlm tbrii so^ietia ar much viaited bi tlioa interested 
in ediicajunal matura. The ar tugethur becez so closli aljd in ther objects; 
becez, wh|l having no conecjun whetever, so meni membera ev wun ar mem- 
bera ev this utiiera; and becez thiJ editor ev tim Librari Jurnal, Melvil Dili, ia 
at tliE sam tira secretari ev iich ev this Asojiajuna. fhE efi<;ea ar open freni 
8, A. M. tu P. M., exept Sundaa and lEgal helidaa, thrueut this yiir. 

The Roxbury Latin School is the popular name of " The Grammar School 
in the easterly part of the Town of Roxbury." It was founded in 1645, and 
among its founders were the Apostle John Eliot, Gov. Thomas Dudley, and 
many others whose names are well known to the people of New England. 
Although the school is free to residents of Boston, it is controlled by a 
board of trustees, and is not a part of the public school system. Its sup- 
port is chiefly from the income of a tax voluntarily imposed upon certain 
citizens of Roxbury. It has also received several bequests from individuals, 
and some aid from the city of Roxbury. It was incorporated in 1789; and 
since then it has been a close corporation, in which the trustees fill any 
vacancies that occur in their board. Among the teachers at this school 
before the Revolution, were Judge William Gushing, Gen. Joseph Warren, 
the Rev. Bishop Samuel Parker, and Gov. Increase Sumner; and since 
then the lists of both teachers and pupils have had the names of scores of 
men whom the whole country has honored. The school has now two six- 
years' courses — one of which is an English course, and the other a course 
preparatory for college, and especially for Harvard, where the examinations 
are the most comprehensive of any American college. The Roxbury Latin 
School stands equal in rank, and second in age, to any school of its class 
in this country. Its building is a large plain wooden structure on Kear- 
sarge Avenue, and comfortably accommodates its present number of pupils, 
about 130. The head master, William C. Collar, is highly esteemed as one 
of the ablest teachers the school has ever had. 



126 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



The Perkins Institution and Massachusetts School for the Blind is situ- 
ated on Broadway, Mount Washington, South Boston, in a large building 
formerly a hotel, which, as the ground is quite high, is a prominent object 
from the harbor and from the country for miles around. The institution 
was founded in 1829, and was organized in 1832 by Dr. Samuel G. Howe, 
beginning with six blind children in his father's house. It is named in honor 
of Col. Thomas H. Perkins, one of its most generous friends, who gave his 
mansion-house on Pearl Street for its use. It is notable as being the first 
institution in the world where a systematic education of the blind was at- 
tempted ; and its success was so great that it has been a model for other in- 
stitutions of the kind, both in America and Europe. The family sj-stem is 
followed ; and the women and girls occupy dwelling-houses by themselves, 




The Perk n Inst tution ani M 



t s bcl ooi for th B b :iddw y Sou h Boston 



the sexes being separated. The average number of inmates is about 160. 
Music has been taught here with such success that the tuning, and keeping 
in repair, of all the pianos in the public schools of Boston are now intrusted 
to the pupils of the Institution, to the satisfaction of the school committee, 
the music teachers, and the public. The first books for the blind produced 
in this country were printed at the Perkins Institution ; and during the past 
year several standard works have been electrotyped. This department is car- 
ried on with much vigor. The institution is partly self-supporting from the 
income of invested funds. It receives compensation from several States for 
the support and education of beneficiaries, and from Massachusetts a grant 
of $30,000 annually. Dr. Howe continued in charge until his death in 1S76. 
Samuel Eliot is president, and M. Anagnos secretary and director. Visitors 
are admitted on Thursdays from 1 1 a.m. to i p.m. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. I27 

The English and Classical School for Boys, situated at No. 10 Somerset 
Street, was opened in i860, and is therefore now in its twentieth year. Its 
purpose is to give to its pupils the broadest and most useful training, besides 
the most thorough preparation for the best American colleges and scientific 
schools. The course of study includes not only such branches as are re- 
quired for admission to colleges, but such as will also give to its graduates 
competent preparation for the business of life if their school days should 
close with their graduation from this school. The corps of assistants is the 
best that can be obtained, each in his specialty ; and it now includes R. L. 
Perkins in Latin, Henri Morand in French, S. P. Hodgdon in drawing, and 
Dr. M. P. Eayrs. The principal is William N. Eayrs, A.M. 

The Sisters of Notre Dame have a novitiate boarding and day school on 
Shawmut Avenue, Boston Highlands. The school was established in 1854, 
under the auspices of the Right Rev. Bishop Fitzpatrick. The grounds 
include six acres, and afford delightful facilities for healthful exercise. The 
building is a large four-story structure, of brick with granite trimmings. 
Since the establishment of the novitiate, a part of the building has been 
reserved for its needs, and the number of pupils has been limited to 100. 
The school is self supporting; the tuition, including board, being $200 a 
year. 

Other Catholic Schools and Convents include the Notre Dame Academy 
and Convent, Berkeley Street, near Boylston Street ; St. Joseph's Convent, 
Broadway, between Dorchester and A Streets, South Boston; .St. Aloysius 
Convent at East Boston ; St. Joseph's Convent at Jamaica Plain; and nine 
parochial and free schools scattered throughout the districts of Boston. 
Some of these schools are very large, such as St. Mary's on Cooper Street, 
at which there are 700 boys ; St. Mary's on Lancaster Street, 625 girls ; SS. 
Peter and Paul on Broadway, between Dorchester and A Streets, South 
Boston, 900 girls ; and the Most Holy Redeemer, East Boston, 1,165 girls. 

The Horace Mann School for the Deaf, formerly on Pemberton Square, 
is now on Warrenton .Street. It was founded in 1869, and was, until 1877, 
called the " Boston Day-School for Deaf Mutes." There are about 70 
pupils, boys and girls. The plan of separating the pupils wlio were born 
deaf, and those made deaf by disease, is carried out as far as practicable. 
Professor A. Melville Bell's system of visible speech is employed through- 
out the school as an aid in teaching articulation. The school is free for 
both sexes, residents of the city, and a moderate fee for others ; and it is 
supported mainly by taxation. 

The Boston Asylum and Farm-School for Indigent Boys was formed by 
the union of the Boston Asylum for Indigent Boys, which originated in 
1 813, and the Proprietors of the Boston Farm-School, established in 1832. 
It was incorporated in 1S35. Its object is to provide a home and training 



128 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

for homeless boys, and those who have lost one or both parents. Boys 
received into the institution as boarders can be taken away at any time, but 
others are held until the directors apprentice them. The average number 
in the school is loo. It is pleasantly situated on Thompson's Island. 

The Massachusetts School for Idiotic and Feeble-Minded Youth, the 
oldest establishment of its kind in America, was opened in 1848 with three 
private pupils and ten State charges; and it now cares for about 115 a year, 
75 of whom are beneficiaries of the State. The average number of inmates 
is about 90. The late Dr. Samuel G. Howe was its founder and organizer, 
and remained at its head as superintendent until his death in January, 1876. 
The pupils are instructed by teachers possessing special qualifications, and 
a workshop is provided, in which those who can learn are taught trades. 
The schoolhouse is in South Boston. 

The Boston City Hospital Training-School for Nurses was established 
in 1878 to give a two-years' course of training to women desirous of becom- 
ing professional nurses. The superintendent of nurses at the City Hospital, 
Miss Linda Richards, has charge of the Training-School, under authority 
of the superintendent of the hospital, Dr. Edward Cowles. 

The Educational Periodicals of Boston are the " New-England Journal of 
Education," " National Journal of Education," " The Primary Teacher," and 
" The Good Times." These were established in 1874 by Thomas W. Bick- 
nell, formerly commissioner of public schools in Rhode Island; and they 
now circulate in all parts of the country, and represent in their columns the 
best thoughts of the age on all grades of educational work. They received 
the first premium at Paris as the leading educational journals of the world. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 129 



West Eonguc of t|}e Citg. 

PUBLISHERS, SELLERS, AND PRINTERS OF BOOKS, STATIONERY, 
NEWSPAPERS, AND PERIODICALS. 

THE old book-stalls of a city are among the objects which the visitor finds 
most interesting. The history of the book-trade of Boston, from the 
time of Thomas Fleet to the present, would fill a large volume, and would 
be almost as interesting to the bibliophile and antiquary as the history of 
the book-trade of London or Paris. The pre-eminence that Boston has at- 
tained in the publishing and bookselling business is but the natural result 
of having within and around her boundaries the men whose names stand 
foremost among the literati of the New World, as well as having some of the 
largest libraries and greatest educational institutions in this country. The 
success of the trade is maintained by the great inducements offered buyers 
of books ; for it is undoubtedly a fact that the dealers in Boston do sell 
books from 10 to 20 per cent lower than the same books can be bought else- 
where. Moreover, while the stores are not, as a rule, costly in their furnish- 
ings, possibly owing to the close margins on which the business is conducted, 
they are capacious, and contain millions of books. Probably nowhere in 
this country can like numbers and rarities be found. Those engaged in 
the business are generally men whose lives have been given to the study of 
the trade, and the tastes of the most cultured people. Almost all of them 
are thoroughly trustworthy and extremely courteous in their dealings. In 
publishing and bookselling, several million dollars capital are invested, and 
a large number of persons employed. A brief sketch of some of the 
prominent houses is all that the limits of this book will allow. 

Little, Brown, & Co., 254 Washington Street, are the lineal successors of 
a book-shop kept, in 1784, by E. Battelle, in the Marlborough Street of that 
time. In 1787 this business went into the hands of Benjamin Guild, who 
called it the Boston Bookstore, and kept it for a while at 59 Cornhill (now 
Washington Street), and afterwards at i Cornhill, on the south corner of 
Spring Lane. In 1792 Samuel Cabot became the proprietor, and continued 
as such until 1797, when he was succeeded by William P. and Lemuel Blake, 
who, besides keeping a good stock of books and stationery, published a 
few works, and kept a circulating library. They sold out in 1806 to William 
Andrews, who carried on the business until his death in 1813. Then 
Jacob A. Cummings, a schoolmaster, and WiUiam Hilliard, a printer, and 



130 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



proprietor of the Harvard University bookstore, became the purchasers. 
In 1821 Timothy H. Carter was admitted as partner ; and, after Cummings's 
decease, several parties, among them Harrison Gray, Charles C. Little, 
John H. Wilkins, Charles Brown, and James Brown, were at various times 
members of the firm, the style of which was consequently changed. It was 
in 1825 Cummings, Hilliard, & Co.; and in 1827 Hilliard, Gray, & Co. In 
1830 the firm sold their stand and a part of their stock to William Hyde, 

and they themselves removed to Washington 
Street. Here they greatly increased their 
transactions in the publication and sale of law- 
books and the importation of foreign works. 
In 1837 Charles C. Little and James Brown 
l)ecame the sole proprietors; and afterwards, 
upon the admission of new partners, the pres- 
ent firm name was adopted. This, therefore, 
is the oldest house, in its line, in Boston. 
For many years the firm have been the lead- 
ing publishers of law-books in America; and, 
through their publication of the works of 
Kent, Greenleaf, Story, and other eminent 
legal authors, they are well known to lawyers 
everywhere. They publish, quarterly, " The 
American Law Review ; " and a considerable 
portion of their shelves is devoted to stand- 
ard and rare works in American and English 
law. In general literature their publications 
are mainly of the solid kind, such as the 
histories of Bancroft, Palfrey, and Parkman ; 
the speeches of Adams, Everett, Quincy, 
Webster, and Winthrop, and other works of a standard class. They also 
make a specialty of the importation of English books, and of expensive 
works in art and science, and have a remarkably large and attractive col- 
lection of books in elegant bindings. The building occupied by Little, 
Brown, & Co. is the property of Harvard University, the coat-of-arms of 
which appears on the stone front. 

Houghton, Osgood, & Co., whose magnificent quarters are in the Cathe- 
dral Building, corner of Franklin and Devonshire Streets, rank among the 
foremost publishers on this continent. The business that is now carried 
on descends directly from the old firm of Allen & Ticknor, which has 
changed successively to William D. Ticknor & Co., Ticknor, Reed, & 
Fields, Ticknor & Fields, Fields, Osgood, & Co., and James R. Osgood 
& Co. The new house was established in 1878, by the consolidation of the 




Little, Brown, & Co., Washington Street. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



131 



firms of James R. Osgood & Co. (consisting, at that time, of James R. 
Osgood and Benjamin H. Ticknor), Hurd & Houghton, and H. O. Hough- 
ton & Co. The present firm pubHsh tlie chief works of many of the most 
eminent poets, essayists, and noveHsts of America and Europe. They also 
publish several standard periodicals, conspicuous among which are " The 
Atlantic Monthly :" and " The American Architect," established by James 
R. Osgood & Co. The mechanical work of many of their books is not 
excelled by that of any publishers ; and the illustrated edition of the com- 
plete poetical works of Henry W. Longfellow, that is soon to be published 
in quarto form, will stand almost unrivalled by any American work. Through 
Mr. Osgood's enterprise, the heliotype process was introduced into this coun- 
try, and is now carried on by the company of which he is the treasurer. 

Lee & Shepard, Nos. 41 to 45 Franklin Street, are the largest book- 
publishers, importers, and dealers in New England. Their house is the 
New-England depository for Harper & Brothers of New York and other 
prominent publishers. 
It is the rendezvous 
of the school-teachers 
from all parts of the 
country, and the head- 
quarters of the New- 
England Pedagogical 
Association. Lists of 
publications of this 
firm embrace all class- 
es of literature. Their 
sumptuous edition of 
Charles Sumner's 
works was awarded a 
premium at the Cen- 
tennial exhibition at 
Philadelphia. Some 
of the light literature 
issued for summer 
reading by this firm 
has met with unprece- 
dented success. For 
instance, "That Hus- 




Lee & Shepard, Franklin and Hawley Streets. 



band of Mine" reached a sale of nearly 150,000 copies; and "That Wife 
of Mine," nearly 100,000 copies. Lee & Shepard are the leading firm in 
the country in the publication of juveniles. Their list embraces the works 
of William T. Adams ("Oliver Optic"), Elijah Kellogg, Sophie May, James 



132 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

De Mille, J. T. Trowbridge, and many others. Their " Library Edition of 
Standard Works," consisting of the writings of some 25 authors and poets, 
such as Shakespeare, Byron, Burns, Swift, Fielding, Smollett, and Sterne, 
are published at a remarkable low price. One of their recent humorous 
works is " Leedle Yawcob Strauss, and Other Poems," by C. Follen Adams. 
A. C. Stockin, agent for Harper & Brothers' school-publications, including 
a full line of school and college text-books, also has his office in Lee & 
Shepard's establishment, at 41 Franklin Street. 

D. Lothrop & Co. occupy the large iron-front building No. 32 Franklin 
Street. They were one of the few Boston publishing-firms that made 
exhibits at the Paris Exposition in 1878; and the Paris correspondent of 
the New- York " Daily Graphic " wrote that : — 

" There are few exhibits in all this vast collection of articles of interest 
and value from all parts of the globe that have commanded more attention 
than the display of juvenile and other books by D. Lothrop & Co. About 
ten years ago this firm began the work of jjublishing a class of books 
specially adapted to the highest culture of the people : their catalogue now 
numbers about 800 volumes, and it is to be noted that almost all of them 
supply some special want which was felt before. These publishers, in their 
selection of works for children of all ages, have acted upon the principle of 
combining literary excellence with purity of moral and religious teaching; 
and this rule has guided them also in the publication of their books for 
adult readers. I have gone through with the collection of their publications 
exhibited here, and there are a few points respecting them that I should 
like to mention. It goes without saying, that the binding, printing, and paper 
of these books are excellent ; but these merits might belong to books of no 
literary or moral worth. These juvenile books are not ' goody-goody,' but 
good : they are the productions of writers who have known how to be 
entertaining and still instructive ; witty, without being frivolous or profane; 
religious, without being dull, prosy, and stupid. The commendation be- 
stowed upon them by the visitors to the Exhibition has been hearty, and 
the award in their favor is seconded by the voice of general opinion." 

This firm make a specialty of finely-illustrated gift-books, devotional 
works, and carefully-edited Sunday-school libraries, and also cater judi- 
ciously for the popular taste ; their splendid pictorial books for young 
folks including such volumes of science as " Four Feet, Wings, and Fins," 
" Overhead," '•■ Eyes Right," etc., and such standard history as Miss Yonge's 
works. The '" Wide Awake Pleasure Book," " Babyland," " Classics of 
Babyland," " Miltiades Peterkin Paul," " Little Miss Muslin," " The Chil- 
dren's Almanac," and others, sell equally well year after year. Their publi- 
cations, numbering over 800 volumes, cover the whole range needed for 
home libraries. D. Lothrop cS: Co. also publish the three popular periodicals, 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 




134 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

— " Wide Awake," an illustrated monthly for young folks ; " Babyland," the 
only magazine in the world issued exclusively for the wants of the class indi- 
cated by its title ; and the " Boston Book Bulletin," a quarterly devoted to 
the interests of book-buyers. 

Ginn & Heath, whose quarters are on Tremont Place, have been in busi- 
ness only about ten years, and yet they have become the leading publishers 
of school-books in New England. 

"The American Bookseller" says of the firm : " Probably no educational 
publishing-house in the country has attained such success in an equal length 
of time." The excellence of their typography and binding is noteworthy , 
but the real secret of their success is the culture, good judgment, and 
indomitable perseverance of the two members of the firm. In educational 
publications they have been leaders, and not servile followers or imitators. 
Among their chief books are Allen and Greenough's Latin Course, Goodwin 
and White's Greek Course (comprising a full line of authors preparatory to 
college and many for college use), White's Latin Lexicon, Liddell & Scott's 
Greek Lexicon, the National Music Course, Whitney's English Grammar, 
Peirce's, Wentworth's, and Wheeler's Mathematical Course, Hudson's 
Shakespeare's plays in pamphlet and book form, " Life, Art, and Characters 
of Shakespeare," Classical English Reader, Burke, Webster, Bacon, Gold- 
smith, Arnold's English Literature, and Hall's geographies. These books 
are a little more than abreast of the times, and yet have bfeen fully appre- 
ciated by earnest teachers. This house has in its list of authors the names 
of some of the best-known men of Harvard and Yale ; and its books are 
used in nearly all the leading colleges and schools of the United States. 

Winkley, Thorp, & Dresser, No. 117 Devonshire Street, opposite the 
main entrance of the Post-ofiice, are jobbers in school-books and school 
supplies ; and their stock includes the publications of all the leading 
school-book publishers. They are the successors of the Cambridgeport 
Diary Company, which was the successor of Cutter, Tower, & Co. This 
establishment occupies a fine store, with basement, and carries on a very 
large jobbing-trade in blank-books of the most elaborate and costly patterns, 
as well as in writing-paper, office stationery and fixtures. 

M. W. Tewksbury, 8 Hawley Street, well known in Massachusetts as a 
prominent high-school teacher and as superintendent of schools for many 
years in one of the large cities, is the New-England agent of Van Antwerp, 
Bragg, & Co., the most extensive schoolbook publishing-house in the world. 
Their printing and binding departments have facilities for completing 15,000 
books a day ; and the firm make and sell 400,000 books a year. Their text- 
books were written by the ablest teachers, and were awarded the highest 
premiums at the three latest world's fairs for excellence of printing and bind- 
ing. A Paris correspondent, writing about the display of text-books at the 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 135 

recent Exposition, said, " It was a subject of remark, however, among the 
visitors from the Atlantic coast that Cincinnati was unexpectedly in the ad- 
vance ; and this opinion was so echoed, that the highest award for text-books 
was bestov/ed on Messrs. Van Antwerp, Bragg, & Co., of that city." 

Nichols & Hall, booksellers and stationers, 32 Bromfield Street, oc- 
cupy one of the commodious stores and the basement of the Wesleyan 
Association Building, referred to in another chapter. Their business is 
chiefly wholesale ; and they carry an extensive stock of miscellaneous and 
school books, stationery and blank books, suited to the wants of the coun- 
try trade and the buyers of large quantities. They make a specialty of 
school supplies, and are agents for several of the leading school-book pub- 
lishers of New York and Philadelphia. Among their own publications are 
books well known to the trade, and extensively used throughout the country. 
This firm, established in 1S60, under the firm name of Chase, Nichols, & 
Hill, was succeeded by Chase & Nichols. In 1865 Mr. Chase withdrew, 
and for a time the business was carried on by Samuel F. Nichols. In 1868 
Edward H. Hall became associated with Mr. Nichols, and since that time 
the style of the firm has been Nichols & Hall. 

A. S. Manson, with Nichols & Hall, at 32 Bromfield Street, is the New- 
England agent for Potter, Ainsworth, & Co., of New York, who publish a 
great number of standard text-books ; such as Payson, Dunton, and Scrib- 
ner's famous coi^y-books, and manuals of penmanship, known in almost 
every schoolroom in the country, 2,000,000 of which are sold annually ; 
Crosby's Greek text-books, Hanson's Latin series, Rolfe and Gillet's Cam- 
bridge Course of Physics, Magill's French series, and various works on 
book-keeping, spelling, composition, drawing, etc. 

Mr. Manson also buys, sells, and exchanges new and second-hand books 
and pictures pertaining to the early and recent history of the various Ameri- 
can countries. He has now in his own library a very large and unique col- 
lection, specially collated and elegantly bound. Town histories are his 
specialty, and of these he has many volumes. 

H. M. Cable, also with Nichols & Hall, 32 Bromfield Street, has been 
for many years the popular rei^resentative of A. S. Barnes & Co., the 
well-known publishers, whose specialty is a line of more than 400 different 
school-books that have gained great favor throughout the United States. 
Among their books are Monteith's series of geograjihies, Steele's sciences, 
Watson's Independent series of readers, and Martin's "Civil Government." 
The hymn and tune books of this house have a larger sale than those of 
any other in this country. In the past few years Messrs. Barnes & Co. 
have begun the publication of several valuable historical works, such as 
Barnes's "Magazine of American History;" "The Battles of the American 
Revolution," by Henry B. Carrington ; Barnes's "Centenary History, or 



136 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



100 Years of American Independence;" and Martha J. Lamb's "History 
of the City of New York."' 

Estes & Lauriat are directly opi^osite the Old South Church, in the store 
No. 301 Washington Street, which for many years has been a well-known 
literary resort. Before it was occupied by Estes & Lauriat, it was a famous 

rendezvous for antiquaries. In years gone by 
Mr. Burnham here displayed upon the coun- 
ters of " Ye Antique Bookestore " many old 
and rare tomes ; and at present fine and rare 
works in every department of literature are to 
be found on the shelves of Estes & Lauriat's 
establishment. Here are 100,000 volumes, from 
the antique Nuremburgh Chronicle of 1493 
down to the latest publication of to-day ; sam- 
ples of Estes & Lauriat's publications, such 
as " Guizot's History of France," '" Guizot's 
History of England," " Martin's History of 
France," " The Picturesque World," etc., sump- 
tuously bound, which received the highest 
awards at the Philadelphia exhibition, are dis- 
played in an attractive manner. Every steamer 
brings from Europe its wealth of thought, in 
the shape of beautiful and costly editions of 
standard authors. The stranger visiting this 
bookstore receives every courtesy and atten- 
tion. The assortment of miscellaneous works 
for holiday sales is very extensive, and com- 
prises standard American and English books, 
Estes & Lauriat, 301 Washington St. illustrated gift-books, juveniles, and toy-books, 
and thousands of choice miscellaneous works. Estes & Lauriat buy large 
and valuable libraries and stocks sold at forced sales, and to accomplish 
this they have agents in all the principal cities. From this source they 
gather a myriad of books "that will make the eyes of a lover of literature 
sparkle with delight." 

Lockwood, Brooks, & Co., No. 381 Washington Street, at the head of 
Franklin Street, are publishers of standard works, and the only house 
in Boston uniting, on a large scale, the stationery with the wholesale and 
retail book business. The house dates from 1842, then William Crosby 
and H. P. Nichols. The present firm was established in 1875. It deals 
largely in books in every department of literature, the supplying of libraries 
being a specialty. In connection with its retail stationery department, it 
does engraving and steel-plate printing. It manufactures the celebrated 




KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



137 



Congress and government mucilage, and the Irving writing and copying ink. 
These goods received the highest medal at the International Exiiil)ition in 
Philadelphia in 1876, and an award at the Mechanics' Fair in Boston in 1878. 
Another specialty is the portable bookcase (Eastlake pattern), of which the 
firm are the sole manufacturers. Lockwood, Brooks, & Co. do a large sub- 




Lockwood, Brooks, & Co., Washington Street. 

scription business in American and foreign periodicals, supi^lying many clubs 
and public libraries. 

"The Old Corner Bookstore," now occupied by A. Williams & Co., im- 
porters, publishers, and booksellers, is at the corner of School and Wash- 
ington Streets. The estate once belonged to the husband of the famous 
Ann Hutchinson. The building, which is one of the oldest in the city, was 
erected in 171 2, by Thomas Crease, and was used as a dwelling-house and 
as an apothecary-shop till 1828. Since then it has always been occupied 
by booksellers, having been successively the quarters of Carter & Hendee, 
W. D. Ticknor & Co., Ticknor & Fields, E. P. Dutton & Co., and A. Williams 
& Co. The latter firm recently enlarged the establishment to more than 
double its former capacity, by the alteration of buildings in the rear of the 
premises. The store, which covers considerable ground, is attractively and 
conveniently shelved, and is full of curious nooks and corners. It has 
always been celebrated as the principal lounging resort of the literati of the 
town. Its large magazine-counter, on which is displayed the light literature 



138 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



of the world, from the last " Tauchnitz " novel to the latest issue of the 
"Franklin-Square Library," makes it peculiarly the headquarters for modern 

literature. Great 
prominence is giv- 
en to medical and 
scientific books, of 
which few estab- 
lishments carry 
larger stocks. It 
is the depot for 
agricultural books, 
and also for maps 
and globes. The 
part of the building 
that faces on School 




gton Street. 



Street is entirely devoted to religious publications, including a large stock 
of Sunday-school books. Messrs. Williams & Co. also keep the largest 
assortment of American and foreign guide-books in the city. 

The New-England News Company is an important factor in the book 
and periodical trade of the city. Here the vast machinery necessary to the 
distribution of the thousands of books, pamphlets, periodicals, and news- 
papers produced in Boston, New York, and elsewhere, is constantly in 
motion. This is the headquarters for the small dealers, especially those 
whose trade is principally in the line of newspapers and periodicals, who 
here receive, fresh from the press, all the latest publications. At certain 
hours the New-England News Company's great store is the scene of the 
most intense activity ; and one might there get a fair idea of the enormous 
amount of labor involved in supplying the reading-public with its daily 
pabulum. For lo years the company's warehouse was on Court Street, 
opposite the Court House ; but is now at Nos. 14 to 20 FrankHn Street. 

T. O. H. P. Burnham's antique and modern bookstore, 68 School Street, 
is the veritable paradise of bookworms ; and the proprietor is fitly called 
" the Napoleon of Booksellers." Four stories and a basement are packed 
with books. The basement runs from the Parker House through to Tre- 
mont Street, and is a solid city of old books, with excessively narrow 
streets. The second story is full of books, including many of Pickering's 
publications, a part of Daniel Webster's library, and some rare early Ameri- 
can magazines. There is also a room for Americana, — history, biography, 
etc., all carefully classified. On the third floor is a pamphlet-room, contain- 
ing 60,000 pamphlets in all languages, and also thousands of old novels. 
The fourth floor is piled to the ceiling with musty packages of old periodi- 
cals. The stock in the main building includes over 125,000 books, and 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



139 



there are from 5,000 to 8,000 more stored in another building. Mr. Burn- 
ham has no catalogue, but his system of classification is almost perfect. 
The business was founded by his father, in 1833, in a store on Cornhill. 
The establishment was subsequently removed to Washington Street, and 
thence in 1865 to School Street. The Burnhams were formerly publishers; 
and among their works were fine editions of Sir Philip Sidney's works, and 
a translation of the Koran, which are still in print. 

Frank W. Bird's " Old Bookshop," at No. 37 Cornhill, occupies the 
building formerly known as " The Universalists' Headquarters."' The 
" Shop " is a favorite resort of the lovers 
of old and curious things ; and here they 
find four stories filled with thousands of 
volumes of new and second-hand books, 
government publications, old-fashioned 
school-books, back numbers of magazines 
and papers, and the " odds and ends " of 
literature in general. Standard w^orks in 
various bindings and co'nditions are al- 
ways to be found here. The stock is 
carefully arranged and displayed in aj)- 
propriate departments, and is easil\- 
looked through by reason of the system 
adopted and the light afforded from tlie 
windows that are on the three sides of 
the store. There is probably no place 
in New England where back numbers of 
almost any publication can be obtained 
as readily as at " The Old Bookshop." 
Mr. Bird publishes gratuitously a com- 
prehensive catalogue of his stock. A 
specialty is made of buying and selling f^'«"K w. Bird's -oid Bookshop," 37 Comhiii. 

the text-books used in Harvard University and the public schools. 

A. \A^. Levering, at 399 Washington Street, occupies the archway that 
leads to the Lowell Institute Hall, formerly the Marlborough Chapel.^ The 
archway was the driveway to the stables of the Marlborough House when 
stage-coaches were in vogue. Mr. Lovering also occupies two stores, one 
on each side of the archway, and four basements. His stock of books, 
new and second-hand, of every description, is one of the largest in Boston, 
and consists chiefly of "remainders" of stocks from publishers and from 
public sales. One feature of this establishment is its gift-enterprise busi- 
ness, which, to say the least, is rather discreditable to the book-trade; for it 
would seem that the contents or value of books in themselves ought to be a 

' In April, 1879, the old Marlboro" Hott.1 being torn down, ^rr. I.overing moved to 336 Washington St. 




I40 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

sufficient inducement to buyers. Mr. Levering began in the book-business 
in Exeter, N.H., wiiere he continued it for lo years. He then decided to 
"go West," and was one of the earliest settlers in Sioux City, Iowa, and 
afterwards one of the first voters in Dacotah Territory. After his return 
he began again in the book-business in Newburyport, Mass., and about 20 
years ago removed to Boston. At first he was tempted to canvass for the 
" Panoramic Guide to the St. Lawrence," a work published by John P. 
Jewett & Co., of which Mr. Lovering sold 30,000 copies. Shortly after this 
he began in the archway, and has remained there for nearly a score of years. 
In the mean time he has occupied several other stores in the vicinity; and 
by his persistency and unlimited advertising has done an extensive business. 

D. C. Colesworthy, dd Cornhill. has been in this locality for 29 years, 
and is the second oldest person in the new and second-hand book trade of 
Boston. He is a descendant of an old Boston family, one of whom was a 
member of the famous " Tea-party." He edited and published " The Port- 
land Tribune," and is the author of several books. He keeps a good stock 
of books, — especially schoolbooks, — and a large assortment of stationery. 

Fred. W. Barry, established in 1874, occupies a building, owned by the 
Fifty Associates, on a lot made triangular in shape by the opening of Wash- 
ington Street, at the corner of Elm. His specialties are second-hand 
standard works, although his stock comprises new and second-hand books 
of every description. In connection with his book business he keeps a 
good line of commercial stationery. 

The Great Printing Establishments of Boston and vicinity are, of course, 
the natural companions of the many and extensive publishing houses. 
These establishments not only do the work of the local firms, but also draw 
a large amount of work from all parts of America. Harper & Brothers, 
Sheldon & Co., Dodd, Mead, & Co., A. S. Barnes & Co., Ivison, Blakeman, 
Taylor, & Co., Charles Scribner's Sons, The Henry Bill Publishing Co., 
Fords, Howard, & Hulbert, and a host of other leading publishers, have 
considerable work done in this vicinity. Among the printing establish- 
ments worthy of most mention, are those of Rand, Avery, &: Co., Rockwell 
& Churchill, the Forbes Lithographing Co., John Wilson & Son, the River- 
side Press, the University Press, L. Prang & Co., and Alfred Mudge & Son. 

Rand, Avery, & Co.'s printing-house occupies the Franklin Buildings, 
at the south-west corner of Franklin and Federal Streets. Immense in 
extent, with an elaborate and thorough equipment, and executing work 
great in amount and varied in character, it stands without an equal ; and 
probably no one firm has become better known throughout the United 
States. By the shrewd foresight and extensive influence of the firm, 
around these Franklin Buildings have been drawn the heavy paper and 




ROCKWELL & CHURCHILL'S PRINTING-HOUSE, 
Arch Street, Boston. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 141 

publishing interests of the city; while upon the four corners of the square 
in front are the banking-rooms of four of the leading banks of Boston. 
The Franklin Buildings are among the most conspicuous of the prominent 
buildings in the rebuilt " Burnt District." They are built in a superior 
manner, of Nova Scotia stone, have a frontage of 100 feet upon each street, 
and a floor surface of half an acre on each of the six stories and basement. 
Under the sidewalks are large tireproof vaults, heated by steam and lighted 
by gas, for the storage of electrotype and stereotype plates, engravings, cuts, 
and other valuables of publishers and authors. The value of the property 
here deposited cannot be accurately stated ; but some idea can be given by 
the statement that over $1,000,000 worth of property was stored in the much 
smaller vaults in the old establishment of the firm in Cornhill, partially 
destroyed by fire on the night of Nov. 20, 1S72. In their present buildings 
Rand, Avery, & Co. perform every part of the art of book-making. But 
they do not confine their attention solely to this. They have become widely 
known as great railroad printers, and as publishers of the " Pathfinder Rail- 
way Guide." There is not a department of bank, insurance, or commercial 
business, that has not received from this firm evidences of their skill and 
artistic taste. Rand, Avery, & Co.'s latest enterprise was the securing of the 
contract for the State printing; and they now enjoy the distinction of oper- 
ating the largest printing establishment in the United States, and also the 
official indorsement of "Printers to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts." 

Rockwell & Churchill have won a leading position in the printing-trade. 
Originally established at the corner of Washington and Water Streets, their 
increasing business soon demanded more room ; and in 1870 an auxiliary 
office was opened in Lindall Street. The latter was swept away in the 
Great Fire of 1S72; and, after occupying temporary quarters, in 1875 the 
building on Arch Street, which they now occupy, was erected from plans 
prepared by them. For convenience and adaptation to the wants of the 
modern printing-office, this is not excelled by any in the city. In the base- 
ment are the fireproof safes for the storage of plates : in the second story, 
the counting-room and the job composition-room; in the third story are 
the job-presses and dry-pressing room: in the fourth story, the presses for 
book, pamphlet, and cut work : and the fifth is entirely occupied by the 
department of composition of books and pamphlets. The character of 
the business transacted by this firm covers a wide range, — from the 
smallest job required by the trader to the largest and most difficult classes 
of book-work. They have lately given particular attention to the production 
of library-catalogue work, — which is the most exacting in its demand for 
accuracy of typographical preparation and perfection of press-work, — and 
in this line have achieved a marked success. For several years the printing 
for the city of Boston has been performed by this firm. In the line of job- 



142 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

printing, their productions are conspicuous for novelty and attractiveness. 
At the Mechanics' Fair, in the autumn of 1878, Rockwell & Churchill 
exhibited some specimens of work, selected at random from samples of 
work done at the order of their customers, — none specially prepared for 
the occasion ; and for this exhibit were awarded a silver medal, being the 
highest possible award. The house has an established reputation for 
enterprise, progress, and good taste, which it appears well able to sustain. 

The Forbes Lithograph Manufacturing Company occupies, for its prin- 
cipal establishment, the large and beautiful marble building fronting on 
Franklin and Devonshire Streets. Four floors of the building run through 
from Devonshire to Arch Street, and three the full length of the building 
on Devonshire Street. Notwithstanding the extensive accommodations in 
this building, the work has increased so much that special departments 
are carried on elsewhere in work-rooms containing some 10.000 square feet 
of floor surface on both Washington and Beach Streets. The work of this 
establishment includes, among its different processes, lithography in all its 
branches, from the ordinary label to tine chromo-work ;• embossing, type 
and block printing of every class ; plate printing; photography: photo-lith- 
ography; and the Albertype process, by which engravings, photographs, 
drawings, etc., are reproduced, in facsimile^ with great delicacy and finish. 
The company give steady work to over 300 hands : employ a corps of 45 
designers, engravers, and lithograph artists, — -a number far in excess of 
that of any other concern in the business ; run 70 presses, and print at 
least three tons of paper daily. The services of six stone-grinders, using 
improved machinery, are required to grind and polish the lithograph-stones 
used, of which the company have nearly 200 tons. They manufacture 
largely for the English and German trade, in addition to their domestic 
orders, which are more uniformly from large corporations than those of any 
house in the printing line. This company does a good share of the theatri- 
cal printing of all grades. With a branch house in New York, and an 
agent in London, this company have a large field to work. The accom- 
panying illustration of the Forbes Lithographing Establishment, and also 
that of the New-England Mutual Life-insurance Co., are specimens of one 
class of work done by the Albertype process mentioned above. They are 
photographs made with printers' ink, and are therefore as imperishable as 
ordinary prints. The company was incorporated in 1875 ; and its officers 
are William P. Hunt president, and William H. Forbes treasurer. 

On the first floor of the building occupied by the Forbes Lithograph- 
ing Establishment are the elegant banking-rooms of the National Revere 
Bank, one of the large and solid financial institutions of Boston. It was 
organized as a State bank in 1S59, and has had a prosperous career. Its 
capital is $1,500,000, and its gross assets are nearly $5,000,000. George 
S. Bullens is the president, and H. Blasdale the cashier. 




FORBES LITHOGRAPH-MANUFACTURING CO., 
Franklin and Devonshire Streets, Boston. 



i 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



143 



Thomas Groom & Co., 

in iSi5,have been in tlie 
snme location for nearly 
fifty years, and to-day are 
one of the oldest, most 
reliable, and best-known 
firms in the stationery 
trade. They are import- 
ers, dealers, and jobbers 
in foreign stationery. 
They manufacture every 
conceivable style of 
blank-books, do an ex- 
tensive printing and 
lithographing business, 
and keep the largest 
and best stock of its 
kind in New England. 
The basement of their 
building. No. 82 State 
Street, is piled with flat 
papers ; the first story 
contains a general stock 
of first-class stationery; 
the second, their whole- 
sale dejDartment ; the 
fourth, their ordinary 
and numerical printing- 
presses ; and the upper 
stories are used for 
their bindery, where 
their blank books are 
made. The India Build- 



tiie successors of David Felt & Co., established 





Hi M':i 



Thomas Groom & Co., 82 State Street. 



ing, which Messrs. Groom & Co. occupy, was built in 1855 expressly for them. 
Winkley, Thorp, & Dresser, successors of the Cambridgeport Diary 
Company, and whose school-book business has already been mentioned, are 
among the leading stationers and blank-book manufacturers in the city. 
Their commodious store and basement is in the beautiful Rialto Building 
on Devonshire Street, opposite the main entrance to the Post-office. They 
make a specialty of lithographing, of printing, and of manufacturing fine 
account books and supplies for banks, counting-rooms, and railroad com- 
panies; and also make a full line of blank work suited to the jobbing trade. 



144 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



The present firm sustain the reputation of their predecessors for excellent 
work and the prompt filling of orders. They are agents for the Whiting 
Paper Company's folded papers, the celebrated Belfast Irish-linen papers, 
and " Dean's Interest and Equation Exjaonents." They also carry a com- 
])lete and extensive stock of imported and domestic stationers' goods. 
Winkley, Thorp, & Dresser, although young men, have had long experience 
in the trade ; Messrs. Winkley and Thorp having been for many years with 
Nichols & Hall, and Mr. Dresser with the Cambridgeport Diary Company. 



There are in Boston at the present day 8 daily papers, 5 semi-weekly, 
67 weekly, and 6 Sunday papers, 6 fortnightly publications, 90 monthly peri- 
odicals, and II quarterlies. Brief notices of some of the most important of 
these will be given. And first come the daily newspapers. 

" The Daily Advertiser " is published in a plain, substantial edifice of 
stone, situated on Court Street, on the site of the printing-office in which 

Franklin learned his trade, 
nearly opposite the court- 
house, a large portion of it 
being utilized as lawyers' of- 
fices. The editorial rooms, on 
the fourth floor, are comforta- 
ble, but not convenient in 
arrangement. The counting- 
room, on the ground floor, is 
finely appointed. The paper, 
which is the oldest daily in 
Boston, enjoys a substantial 
prosperity, its circulation being 
principally among the wealthy 
and cultivated people of Bos- 
ton and New England. It is 
Republican, and aims to rep- 
resent the advanced and en- 
lightened wing of its party. 
Its editor-in-chief is D. A. God- 
dard, whose corps of assistants 
includes some able and schol- 
arly men. These writers give 
to the paper a conservative 
•■Tno Boston Advf. 11 < ' i - ^^^ cultured tone, whichj to- 

gether with its literary features, makes it acceptable to a class of readers 
whose influence is far out of proportion to their numbers. •' The Advertiser " 
is a large folio, well printed on good paper. 




JCING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



145 



"The Boston Herald" is by far the most successful of the local papers. 
Its first number appeared in 1846 as an evening daily, neutral in politics. 
It was a small paper, issued at one cent a copy, containing four pages of 
five columns each. The edition was 2,000 copies. The first editor was 
William O. Eaton, a young man 22 years of age. So successful was its 
early management, that in 1847 ''The Herald," in enlarged form and new 
dress, appeared with morning, evening, and weekly editions, but the latter 
feature was discontinued in 1S51. The columns were enlarged two inches 
in 1S54, and 15 years afterwards the paper was changed to its present size 
of four pages, each containing eight columns. There have been frequent 
issues of double that size. The great cost of white paper in 1862 raised the 
price per copy of " The Herald " to two cents, and again in 1864 to three 
cents, from which it was reduced in 1865 to its present price of two cents. 
There were many changes in the style of the firm owning the establishment 
until 1869, when R. M. Pulsifer & Co. bought the paper. Since that time 
there have been two withdrawals from the firm, which otherwise remains the 
same. A good idea of the kind of news demanded by the people can be 
gleaned from the following memoranda of the number of copies sold when 
" The Herald " contained the news of the events cited : — 



VpAR. EVENTS. 

1863. The draft riots and Lee's march 

into Pennsylvania 

1865. The evacuation of Richmond 
1865. Lee's surrender 

1865. The assassination of President 

Lincoln 

1866. The Fenian raids 

1867. The election returns 

1868. The returns of presidential elec- 

tion 

1869. The great storm 

1870. The Fenian raids 

1870. The Franco-Prussian war . . . 

1870. The battle of Sedan 

187 1. The Eastern Railroad accident 

at Revere 

1871. The Chicago conflagration . . . 
1871. The election returns . . . . 

1871. The Orange riot in New York . 

1872. The assassination of James Fisk, 

jun 

1872. The destruction of the incomplete 

jubilee Coliseum by a gale . . 
1872. A murder at the North End . . 



NO. OF 
COPIES. 



74,000 
60,000 
60,000 

83,520 
70,000 
72,720 

78,000 
75.844 
95,000 
90,000 
100,000 

111,840 
113,280 
100,320 
96,240 

113,760 

108,240 
119,280 



1S72 
1872 
1873 
1874 
1874 
1874 
1875 
1875 

1875 

1875 
187s 
1876 
1876 
1876 
1876 
1876 
1876 



1876. 



The October election returns . . 

The November election returns 

The Boston conflagration . . . 

The Credit-Mobilier scandal . . 

The November elections 

The Beecher-Tilton case 

The second Chic.igo conflagration 

The Beecher-trial 

The battle of Bunker-hill centen- 
nial 

The execution of Wagner, Gor- 
don, and Costley 

The November election returns . 

The Concord-fight celebration 

Piper's first confession .... 

Piper's second confession . . . 

Piper's execution 

The October elections .... 

The presidential elections . . . 

The day after the election returns 
(said to be the largest edition 
ever printed by an American 
daily newspaper) 

The November elections . . , 



NO. OF 

COPIES. 

100,748 
119,076 

220,000 

137,000 
139,212 
137,000 
1 30,086 

158,698 
157.^69 

•34.953 
134.430 
132.577 
134,710 
158,492 
174,318 
139,480 
147,216 



223,256 
190,384 



In 1847 " The American Eagle," and in 1857 " The Daily Times," were 
purchased. In 1854 the letter-list advertising, that for seven consecutive 



146 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



years had been claimed as a right by virtue of the largest circulation, was 
awarded " The Herald." The counting-room, first at No. 15 State Street, 
was moved to several places, and finally, in 185 1, to No. 103 (now numbered 
241) Washington Street, where it remained until February, 1878, when the 
new building was occupied. The main building, at No. 255 Washington 
Street, has a frontage of 31 feet 9 inches and a length of 179 feet. An L 
leading into Williams Court has a frontage of 24^ feet, and a length of 40 
feet. The total ground surface is about 6,200 square feet. The Washing- 
ton-street front, in the French Renaissance style, makes a striking contrast 
with its dingy surroundings. The building has six stories and a high base- 
ment. The entire finish and furnishing of the building are elaborate and 
beautiful, and the arrangement is generally conceded to be superior to that 
of any other newspaper office in this country. There are four Bullock 
presses in the basement, capable of printing 86,000 papers an hour. It is 
said that "The Herald" presses can print more papers in any given time 
than the presses of all other Boston dailies combined. "The Herald's" cir- 
culation on week-days averages 100,000 copies, and on Sundays 75,000 copies. 
"The Boston Post" is the leading Democratic commercial morning 
newspaper of Boston. It is published by the Post Publishing Company, 
at No. 17 Milk Street, and sells for 4 cents a 
copy. Its new iron building stands on the spot 
where Benjamin Franklin was born ; and a bust 
of the famous printer ornaments the front. The 

,,„ „„_^— ____., , ,,„.^ business-office is on the a:round-floor. The edi- 

rf ^^Hy^~^^^^^B torial rooms, which are reached after a breath- 
,, ■ _ui:^™i,|EW"«riT^irftte^Ss jggs climb of an iron staircase, consist of private 
rooms for the editor and his assistants, and neat 
rooms for the night-editor, city-editor, and the re- 
porters. " The Post's " history dates back to 
1831. It was at first a small sheet of 16 columns, 
from which it has been enlarged at various times 

$^\ V^V^W'^'^ W^'^t^'T^ ^^"^'' ^^ ^^"^ contains 36 long columns. Col. 

«l 1 wt\ IHHi': rlllf''rpl 1 Charles G. Greene was the founder and first editor. 
He did much to make a reputation for the paper 

lip B^J ^psp^jt^^j^ by his straightforward and honest style of treat- 
ing public questions. It is not too much to say, 
that, under his editorship, it became the leading 
Democratic daily in the country, as well as a lead- 
ing representative commercial paper of Boston. 
There is young blood still in "The Post," and 

" The Boston Post," Milk street. . , ^ ^ -j „f •„„ i „^^„f,,l 

It shows constant evidence of wise and caretul 
management and enterprise. The editorial department has always had a 




KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



147 



good reputation, on account of the clear and vigorous character of the 
language, as well as the courteous and fair attitude maintained, even in 
dealing with political adversaries. The •• All-Sorts " column of paragraphs, 
on the first page, has ever been an attractive feature of " The Post," 
and the sprightly character of the department has been admiral)ly main- 
tained. " Mrs. Partington '' (B. P. Shillaberj made her reputation for 
genial humor in the columns of "The Post." Its large and permanent 
circulation is chiefly among the business-men and the most influential 
classes of the people, at their homes and places of business. 

" The Boston Evening Transcript " is an independent Republican news- 
paper. For sev- 
eral years past 
it was published 
by the heirs of 
Henry W.Dutton 
& Son. It was 
founded in 1830, 
and is the oldest 
evening paper in 
New England. It 
has been a sub- 
stantial success 
from the start 
The present 
quarters of "The 
Transcript" are 
in a large and 
handsome build- 
ing, at the corner 
of Washington 
and Milk Streets 
erected to replace 
the ofiice burned 
by the Great Fire 
of 1872. It is 
one of the most 
commodious and 
elegant in the city 
"The Transcript" ^ Tl^^S 
occupies a field 

^. „ . , "The Boston Transcript," Washington Street. 

practically with- 
out a rival. It is the largest daily in New England, is of quarto form, hand- 




148 A'/NG'S FIANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

somely printed on good paper, publishing all associated-press reports, a 
great amount of well-selected miscellaneous reading, poetry, book-reviews, 
foreign gleanings, and general gossip. It is pre-eminently a family paper, 
and its circulation is chiefly among the wealthy and intelligent people of 
Boston and its suburbs. The political attitude of the paper has recently 
gained for it the approbation of the most progressive and far-seeing class 
of Republicans. The quiet and dignified tone of the editorial page, and 
the absence in the paper of any thing which appeals to the popular craving 
for sensationalism, go far toward winning for " The Transcript '' the esteem 
of its readers and the success it enjoys. The price per copy of the daily is 
4 cents. The paper is now published by The Boston Transcript Com- 
pany, incorporated March i, 1S79. S. P. Mandell is president, and William 
Durant — who has been the business manager since the death of Mr. But- 
ton — is treasurer. The editor-in-chief is William A. Hovey. 

"The Boston Journal" is a Republican morning and evening newspaper, 
conducted by S. N. Stockwell and W. W. Clapp, who are also part owners. 
It has been in existence about 46 years, and has attained a firm foothold; 
its special strongholds being in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and the 
country towns of Massachusetts, where for many years it has been the 
constant companion and counsellor of the intelligent reading public of New 
England. It also has a large circulation among the business men of Bos- 
ton. "The Journal" occupies a commodious structure at No. 264 Wash- 
ington Street, and has its press-rooms on Water Street. The business- 
oiifice is handsome and well appointed; and the editorial and reportorial' 
rooms are three flights above. "The Journal" is printed on two Hoe 
presses of six and eight cylinders respectively. It aims to secure full, 
prompt, and reliable intelligence from all quarters of the world. The local 
news columns are full and fresh, there being a large and active staff of re- 
porters, and the correspondence from all parts of the world is very full. The 
paper has a practical, business-like tone, which is suited to the tastes of its 
constituency. " The Journal " is a large folio sheet, and sells at 3 cents a 
copy. 

"The Daily Evening Traveller" is published at No. 31 State Street by 
Roland Worthington & Co. It was the first two-cent evening paper estab- 
lished in Boston, and was founded in 1845. I" that day it was the great 
paper for stage-coaches. It has always borne an excellent reputation as a 
news-gatherer. At one period it was for a short time a quarto, under the 
editorship of Samuel Bowles. It is now a large folio, with 36 long columns, 
issued at 3 cents. Where the Traveller Building now is, nearly 100 years 
ago Benjamin Russell began the publication of " The Columbian Centinel." 
" The Traveller " moved here about 30 years ago, when crowded out of 
the Old State House, where its office had been. In politics the paper is 
aggressively Republican, and sustains its opinions with great vigor. Its 



KING'S ffANDBOOA' OF BOSTON. 149 

news-departments are well sustained. The review of the week, long a fea- 
ture of the Saturday edition, ably conducted by C. C. Hazewell, is valuable 
for filing as a record of passing events. A good illustration of the Traveller 
Building can be seen in the chapter on "The Public Buildings." 

" The Boston Globe " is a Democratic morning and evening newspaper, 
issuing from six to eight editions daily. It is the youngest of the daily 
papers in Boston, although now nearly seven years old. It was first started 
as an eight-j^age newspaper, independent in politics, and so continued until 
March, 1S78; but it is now a folio during the week, and a quarto on Sundays. 
As a two-cent Democratic paper it has secured a large circulation, which is 
steadily increasing. " The Sunday Globe '' has also secured a wide and 
profitable circulation. The " Daily " and " Sunday "' find readers, of course, 
in this State, and throughout New England ; while " The Boston Weekly 
Globe " circulates in every State and Territory in the Union. '• The 
Globe " Building, Nos. 236 and 238 Washington Street, is large and unpre- 
tentious, extending through to Devonshire Street. It was formerly occu- 
pied by " The Boston Transcript." " The Globe " is well fitted out in each 
department, stereotypes its forms, and with its new press has facilities for 
turning out 50,000 papers per hour. " The Globe " is especially enter- 
prising in its efforts to obtain the latest news, — the National Associated 
Press furnishing the groundwork of its despatches, — and it has a large 
corps of special correspondents throughout New England, and at leading 
centres throughout the United States. 

Besides the daily papers mentioned above, there is one which does not 
cater to the general public ; viz., " The Daily Law Reporter." Several of 
the daily papers issue semi-weekly editions, and all of them except " The 
Herald " have weekly editions. There are six Sunday papers, of which the 
"Herald" and "Globe " are the appendages of a daily edition. The other 
four are "The Saturday Evening Gazette," "The Courier," "The Times," 
and "The Express." "The Courier" and "The Times" were formerly 
dailies. The " Herald," " Globe," and " Times " are quarto sheets, and the 
others are folio sheets. "The Times" has some specialties, j^rominent 
among which are its several columns of paragraphs of club, social, and local 
news, classified under the head of "Talk of the Times," and its New- York 
letter, one of the choicest bits of correspondence sent out from Gotham. 
"The Courier" is not strictly a newspaper; but its literary features are re- 
markably good. " The Gazette " makes money by its " Out and About " 
column of society and fashion, news and gossip. All the Sunday papers pay 
special attention to dramatic and musical matters, and each has features of 
its own which are more or less attractive. In looking over the list of news- 
papers and periodicals published in Boston, one is surprised to find how few 



150 JiT/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

of them are printed in any other language than the EngHsh. There are, in 
fact, only five of these. Many of the periodicals printed in Boston are of a 
religious character: and almost every sect and creed has its organ here. 
The most famous periodical, however, that emanates from the " Hub " is 
"The Atlantic Monthly." "The American Architect," established by James 
R. Osgood & Co., is a publication that well merits success. 

Bicknell's Journals. — '"The New-England Journal of Education " was 
established in Boston in 1875, uniting i-n itself four State teachers' journals 
and "The College Courant " of New Haven. It had for its supporters the 
members of the American Institute of Instruction and those of the several 
State teachers' associations of New England, and was the first weekly edu- 
cational paper started in America. In 1S76 "The National Journal of 
Education " was published from the same office. In 1877 "The Primary 
Teacher " and " Good Times," monthlies, were added to the list ; all pub- 
lished by the New-England Publishing Company, a corporation of which 
Thomas W. Bicknell is president, who is also business manager of all the 
interests of the company, and editor of the journals of education. These 
publications have a wide circulation, not only in New England, but in all 
parts of the country, and represent, in their editorial and contributors' col- 
umns, the best talent of the profession. They touch, by their discussions, 
all grades of school-work, and reach all classes of teachers. The best evi- 
dence of their merit is the fact that these publications received the highest 
award given at Paris, in the great International Exposition of 1878, to any 
educational papers in the world. The editorial and counting rooms of these 
periodicals are at No. 16 Hawley Street. 

J. W. C. Oilman & Co., 13^ Bromfield Street, are educational publishers. 
They make school copy-books and penmanship, however, a specialty, and 
publish both the celebrated systems known as the " Duntonian," and " Wil- 
liams and Packard." The Duntonian writing-books are used in the Boston 
public schools ; and both systems are widely known and recognized through- 
out the country as standards of practical and elegant chirography. Several 
improved features of these publications are of the most unique and original 
character, and are secured to Messrs. Gilman & Co. by letters patent. 



K/xVG'S HAND BOO A' OF BOSTON. 



151 



^!)C ^oul of ti)c (Urito. 



THE RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS, —THEIR PLACES OF WORSHIP, 
AND THEIR PASTORS. 



T 




HE first meeting-house in Boston was a small, homely building, with 
mud walls and thatched roof. The accompanying illustration from 

" Harper's Weekly "' is said to give a 
fair idea of its outward appearance. 
It stood near the head of State Street. 
It was erected in 1632: John Wilson 
and John Cotton were its pastors. In 
1639 this house of worship was sue- 
by a more preten- 
structure on Wash- 

--^,,- „. -, ^ - „ Street, where Joy's 

now Stands. This 

First Meeting-house In Boston. , , IM ~~ , , . 

"' "'' ™*" was burned in 1711, 

rebuilt in 1713, and in 1808 torn 
down. 

The " First Church " society 
(Congregational Unitarian), of 
which Rufus Ellis, D.D., is 
pastor, built another church in 
Chauncy Place the same year, 
which in 1868 gave place to the 
present fine church building at 
the corner of Berkeley and Marl- 
borough Streets. This church 
cost about $325,000, and is a 
beautiful structure. It accom- 
modates about 1,000 persons, 
has a very fine organ, windows 
of stained glass, an exterior 
carriage-porch of unique design, 
and is elerantly finished. The 

. , , r The " First Church," Berkeley Street. 

music is equal to that of any 

other church in Boston. The architects were W^are & Van Brunt of Boston. 




152 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



The second church in the city was built in 1649, '" North Square. The 
first Roman Cathoh'c in 1789; the first Methodist (church on Hanover Ave- 
nue) in 1796; the first UniversaHst (church corner of Hanover and Bennett 
Streets) in 1785. 

The early church history of Boston is full of interest, but the details 
are too voluminous to be given here. 

The Old South, corner of Washington and Milk Streets, is the most 
famous meeting-house in Boston, by reason of its historical associations. 
The Old South Society was organized in 1669; and the meeting-house was 
built soon afterwards on a isiece of land given by Mrs. Norton, widow of the 
Rev. John Norton. In 1729 the original meeting-house, which was of wood, 
was taken down, and the present brick structure was built on the same spot. 

It is one of the most famous 
" landmarks " of old Boston, and 
one of the few historic buildings 
that have been allowed to remain 
standing in this iconoclastic age 
and country. The associations 
that cluster around the Old 
South are certainly of a nature 
that should make the building 
precious in the eyes of patriotic 
citizens. Benjamin Franklin was 
baptized and attended worship 
here ; Whitefield preached here ; 
the revolutionary agitators made 
use of the edifice to stir up the 
citizens against the tyranny of 
their king; Warren here delivered 
his famous speech on the anni- 
versary of the Boston Massacre; 
the "tea-party" organized within 
these walls ; and here the annual 
election sermons were for many 
years delivered. In 1775 the 
churcli was used as a riding- 
school by the British troops. 
The great fire of 1872 stopped just before reaching the Old South, burning 
all around it on two sides. The society abandoned this place of worship 
(which was used as the post-office for a while after the fire), and erected a 
new building on the Back Bay. Since then its preservation has been 
vigorously striven for by a small part of the community, but its fate seems 




The Old South, Washington Street. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOS J ON. 



153 




THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH, BOYLSTON STREET. 



154 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

yet problematical. The land on which the church stands is valuable for 
business purposes, owing to its central location. The Old South Preserva- 
tion Committee has done its best towards saving the building, and various 
entertainments, fairs, lectures, and grand balls have been given to this end; 
but the sum ($400,000) required to purchase the church has not at this writing 
been raised. The ministers of this society from its formation are : Thomas 
Thatcher, Samuel Willard, Ebenezer Pemberton, Joseph Sewall, D.D., 
Thomas Prince, Alexander Gumming, Samuel Blair, John Bacon, John 
Hunt, Joseph Eckley, Joshua Huntington, Benjamin B. Wisner, D.D., 
Samuel H. Stearns, G. W. Blagden, D.D., and J. M. Manning, D.D., the 
present pastor. The Old South is a plain brick building, painted light, 
with a tall spire. The belfry is surrounded by an exterior gallery. The 
house is 88 by 61 feet in dimensions, and has a sounding-board and two 
tiers of galleries. A tablet above the Washington-street entrance gives the 
dates of the formation of the society and the building of the two church 
edifices. The building is now an historical museum, made interesting to 
the masses of the people by the exhibition of new inventions, such as the 
phonograph and microphone. The entrance-fees go towards raising the pre- 
servation fund. 

The Old South Church, successor to the historic " Old South " (on the 
corner of Washington and Milk Streets), is at the corner of Dartmouth and 
Boylston Streets. It is a large and costly structure, including, besides the 
church, a chapel and parsonage. The seating capacity is between 800 and 
900, and the building covers an area of 200 by 90 feet. It is of Roxbury 
stone, with freestone trimmings ; and the interior finish is of cherry. The 
massive tower, which forms the most noticeable feature of the structure, is 
235 feet high. Over the centre of the main church edifice rises a large 
lantern of copper, with 12 windows. An arched screen of Gaen stone, with 
shafts of Lisbon marble, separates the church from the main vestibule. A 
carved screen of wood encloses the pulpit, and three panels of Venetian 
mosaic fi'U the heads of the arches leading from the doorways. The 
stained-glass windows were brought from England, and are decorated with 
biblical scenes. This edifice, erected at a cost of about $500,000, is gener- 
ally considered one of the finest specimens of church architecture on the 
continent. The interior decorations are elaborate ; the pronounced tints ol 
the walls, the large chandeliers, and the rich carvings producing a striking 
and beautiful effect. 

King's Chapel, corner of Tremont and School Streets, was the first 
Episcopal church in New England, and is now a Unitarian church. The 
society was organized in 1686, and a little wooden church was erected in 
1689. Robert Ratcliffe was the first rector. The church was enlarged in 
1710; but in 1754 it was taken down, and replaced by the present substan- 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



155 



tial stone building. The liturgy was altered in 1785, and has been used as 
amended ever since. In 1787 James Freeman became the pastor ; and the 
connection of the society with the Episcopal church ceasing, it became a 
Unitarian church. The present pastor is Henry W. Foote. King's Chapel 
is a very quaint 
and interesting 
place. The in- 
terior, with its 
high, old-fash- 
ioned pews, its 
tall pulpit and 
sounding-board, 
its massive pil- 
lars,and stained- 
glass window, 
is remarkably 
attractive. In 
1878 the city 
discussed the 
plan of remov- 
i n g King's 
Chapel with its i 
adjoining buri- 
al ground, and 
erecting a court- 
house in their 
place. 

Christ Church, Salem Street, which was built by the Episcopalians in 
1723, is the oldest church edifice now standing in Boston. The building, 
which is of brick, is 70 by 50 feet in dimensions, and the steeple is 175 
feet high. It is the most prominent landmark of the North End, and was 
formerly known as the " North Church." The steeple accurately repre- 
sents one that was blown down in 1804. The tower contains a fine chime 
of eight bells, which bear the following inscriptions : — 

First bell : "This peal of 8 Bells is the gift of a number of generous 
persons to Christ Church, in Boston, N.E., anno 1744, A.R." Second: 
"This church was founded in the year 1723; Timothy Cutler, D.D., the 
first rector, A. R., 1744." Third: "We are the first ring of Bells cast for 
the British Empire in North America, A.R., 1744." Fourth: "God pre- 
serve the Church of England, 1744." Fifth: "William Shirley, Esq., Gov- 
ernor of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, anno 1744." Sixth: 
" The subscription for these Bells was begun by John Hammock and 




King's Chapel, Ttemont Street. 



156 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



Robert Temple, church wardens, anno 1743; completed by Robert Jen- 
kins and John Gould, church wardens, anno 1744." Seventh : " Since Gen- 
erosity has opened our mouths, our tongues shall ring aloud its praise. 

1744." Eighth: "Abel 
Rudhall, of Gloucester, 
cast us all, anno 1744." 
This chime, brought from 
England, is the oldest 
in America. The Bible, 
prayer-books, and silver 
now in use, were given, in 
17337 by King George II. 
The figures of cherubim 
in front of the organ, 
and the chandeliers, were 
taken from a French 
vessel by the privateer 
'• Queen of Hungary," and 
presented to this church 
in 1746. The Sunday 
school was established in 
1815, when no other was 
known to exist in Ameri- 
ca. Christ Church re- 
ported to the last conven- 
tion 150 communicants. 
The interior of the 
The present rector is Henry 




Christ Church, Salem Street. 



church still retains an antique appearance 
Burroughs, D.D. 

A tablet was placed on the front of Christ Church in 1878, bearing the 
following inscription : — 



THE SIGNAL LANTERNS OF 

PAUL REVERE 

DISPLAYED IN THE STEEPLE OF THIS CHURCH 

APRIL 18 1775 

WARNED THE COUNTRY OF THE MARCH 

OF THE BRITISH TROOPS TO 

LEXINGTON AND CONCORD. 



Trinity Church, at the intersection of Huntington Avenue, Boylston and 
Clarendon Streets, is the finest church edifice in New England, if not in the 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



157 




158 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

United States. The history of Trinity parish dates as far back as 1728. 
Its first church, built in 1735, was a plain wooden building with gambrel 
roof, at the corner of Summer and Hawley Streets ; and its first rector was 
Addington Davenport. In this wooden building the parish worshipped 
until 1828, when the corner-stone of a new house was laid in the same loca- 
tion ; and the solid Gothic structure then erected was used by the parish till 
it was burned in the great fire of 1872. In the winter before this disaster, 
the subject of a new church edifice had been left to the direction of a build- 
ing committee ; and eventually the designs of Gambrill and Richardson, 
architects, of New York, were accepted. The new church was completed 
early in 1877. In sinking the foundations an immense amount of labor was 
performed ; and, on account of the nature of the Back-bay land, it was found 
necessary to somewhat modifv the original design. The church was conse- 
crated on Feb. 9, 1877; the bishop of the diocese conducting the services. 
Four prelates of the church, many clergymen, the governor, the mayor, and 
a large number of notables, were present. Trinity Church is in the pure 
French Romanesque style, in the shape of a Latin cross, with a semi-circu- 
lar apse added to the eastern arm. The clerestory is carried by an arcade 
of two arches only. Above the aisles a gallery is carried across the arches, 
which is called the " triforium " gallery, and serves to connect the three 
main galleries, one across either transept and one across the west end of 
the nave. The whole interior of the church and chapel is finished in black 
walnut, and the vestibules in ash and oak. A great central tower, 211 feet 
high, surmounts the building, rising from four piers at the crossing of the 
nave and transept. The tower is very conspicuous, owing to its massive 
form, and is the main feature of the edifice ; the nave, transepts, and apse 
being subordinate to it. A handsome and unique chapel is connected with 
the main structure by an open cloister, the effect of which is exceedingly 
pleasing. The extreme width of the church across the transepts is 121 feet, 
and the extreme length is 160 feet. The chancel is 57 feet deep by 52 feet 
wide. The tower is 46 feet square inside. The material employed in the 
body of the church is Dedham granite, ornamented with brown freestone 
trimmings. The exterior of the apse is decorated with mosaic work of pol- 
ished granite. In the interior work special attention has been paid to the 
decorations, which form an enduring monument to the artistic taste of John 
La Farge of New York. No such decorations can be' found in any other 
church in this country. The stained-glass memorial windows were made in 
Europe. The church resembles many of those cathedrals in the south of 
France, which all the world has recognized as models in a noble school of 
ecclesiastical art. The cost of the building was $750,000. The parish has 
no debt, and is exceedingly wealthy. Some of the greatest preachers in the 
Episcopal denomination have graced the pulpits of the old Trinity churches. 



A 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



159 



Among these have been George Washington Doane, afterwards bishop of 
New Jersey; John Henry Hopkins, once bishop of Vermont; Thomas 
March Clark, afterwards bishop of Rhode Island; Manton Eastburn, the 
last bishop of this diocese; and Jonathan M. Wainwright, once bishop of 
New York. The rector of the present church is the most famous preacher 
in the denomination, Phillips Brooks, D.D., a graduate of Harvard Col- 
lege. He is much beloved by his parishioners, and esteemed and admired 
by every one for his elo- 
quence, his earnestness, ^ 
and his poHshed and schol- ^ 
arly style. 

The Arlington-street 
Church (Unitarian), corner 
of Arlington and Boylston 
Streets, has an eventful 
history. The society was 
formed in 1727 as a Pres- 
byterian church. A barn 
on Long Lane (now Federal 
Street) was the first place 
of worship. In 1744 a 
church building replaced 
the barn on the same spot. 
In this building the United 
States Constitution was 
adopted in 1788 by the 
State convention : hence 
the name of Federal Street. 
A new brick church was 
built in 1809, on the same 
site; but in 1859 this was 
taken down, and the present 
liandsome building on Ar- 
lington Street was subse- 
quently erected. In 1786 
the Presbyterian had been 
exchanged for the Congre- 
gational form of govern- 
ment. W. E. Channing, 
D.D., was pastor of this 
cluircli from 1803 till 1842, and here made his reputation as an accomplished 
scholar, writer, and preacher, during this period. His successor was Ezra 




The Arlington-street Church, corner of Boylston Street. 



i6o 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



S. Gannett, D.D., who was killed in the terrible railroad accident at Revere 
in 1 87 1. The present pastor is J. F. W. Ware. The church is of freestone, 
and is very handsome. It has a shapely spire, and a fine chime of bells. 
On the Boylston-street side, the building is almost entirely covered with 
clinging vines. 

St. Paul's Church was built in 1S20, and consecrated by the Episcopal 

bishops of Massa- 
chusetts and Con- 
necticut. It stands 
on Tremont Street, 
between Winter 
Street and Temple 
Place, facing the 
Common. It is in 
the Grecian style of 
architecture, of the 
Ionic order. The 
walls are of gray 
granite, and the 
portico and col- 
umns are of Poto- 
mac sandstone. 
The interior is 
handsome. The 
ceiling is a cylin- 
drical vault, with 
panels which span 
the whole width of 
the church. Its rectors have been Samuel F. Jarvis, D.D., Alonzo Potter, 
LL.D., afterwards bishop of Pennsylvania, John S. Stone, D.D., Alexander 
H. Vinton, D.D., William R. Nicholson, D.D., and Treadwell Walden. 
William Wilberforce Newton is the present rector. 

The HoUis-street Church was originally built in 1732. It was a little 
wooden building; and the first minister was Mather Byles, a Tory, a wit, 
and a scholar. The church and the street were named after Thomas 
Hollis of London, one of the greatest benefactors of Harvard University. 
The meeting-house was burned in 1787, and another built. In iSio the 
latter was removed to give place to the present structure. The steeple is 
nearly 200 feet high. Dr. Samuel West, John Pierpont, and Thomas Starr 
King were pastors of this church. The tablets in the church bearing the 
Ten Commandments were the gift of Benjamin Bussey, another of Har- 
vard's jrreatest benefactors. The old church was used as a barrack bv the 




St. Paul s Church, Tremont Street. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



1 61 



British soldiers during the siege of Boston. The society (Unitarian) in 
the fall of 1878 was without a pastor, George L. Chaney having resigned 
early in the year. 

The Central Church (Congregational Trinitarian), corner of Berkeley and 
Newbury Streets, is a handsome building of Roxbury stone with sandstone 
trimmijigs. It cost over #325,000, and was dedicated in 1867. The spire, 
236 feet high, is the tallest in the city, and the interior of the church is 
exceedingly handsome. The society tirst worshipped in the Old Federal- 
street theatre, and afterwards occupied a plain church building on Winter 
Street. W. M. Rogers was the first pastor. At present the pulpit is vacant. 

The Park-street Church, corner of Park and Tremont Streets, was 
erected in 1810, and cost about S50.000. It is of brick, with a fine spire; 
and the interior 
is commodious 
though plain. The 
society was organ- 
ized in 1809. Nine 
of the members of 
the Old South, 
which was then the 
only evangelical 
Congregational 
church in Boston, 
came out from the 
parent church un- 
der the promptings 
of a revival move- 
ment. Park-street 
Church was begot- 
ten in a revival. 
and has enjoyed 
many in her his- 
tory. E. D. Griffin, 
S. E. Dwight, Ed- 
ward Beecher, J. H. Linsley, Silas Aiken, A. L. Stone, and W. H. H. 
Murray were pastors of this church. The present pastor is J. L. Withrow, 
D.D. Several churches have grown out of the Park-street Church. Many 
of the missionary societies of the Orthodox denomination have been started 
within its walls. The church has always been deeply enlisted in the work 
of foreign missions, giving $4,000 and upwards each year to that cause. 
Until July, 1878, the church had always been in debt; but all incumbrances 
were then removed, and the church repaired and painted. 




Paik-street Church, Tremont Street. 



1 62 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

The First Parish Church (Unitarian), Meeting-House Hill, Dorchester 
district, is the oldest religious society in Boston. It was organized in 
Plymouth, England, March 20, 1630, the eve before the embarkation of the 
first settlers of Dorchester in the " Mary and John." John Maverick and 
John Warham were the first ministers. The first religious service held was 
in the open air in Dorchester, the Sunday after their settlement, in June, 
1630. The first meeting-house was built in 1631, at the corner of Pleas- 
ant and Cottage Streets. It was a log house, protected with palisades 
against the Indians. In 1645 3- more expensive structure was erected on 
the same spot. In 1670 it was moved to Meeting-House Hill, which derived 
its name from the church which for over 200 years has remained on this 
site. In 1677 it was succeeded by another which cost ^{^200. In 1743 a 
new house was built, which stood until the erection, in 1 816, of the present 
structure. This church has had, including Maverick and Warham, who 
were associated together, and excluding two coadjutors who for a short 
time assisted Richard Mather, only eight successive ministers in a period 
of nearly 250 years. The list is as follows : Richard Mather, 33 years, with 
Jonathan Burr and John Wilson, jun., associates, both of whom he survived 
as pastor; Josiah Flint, 9 years; John Danforth, 48 years; Jonathan Bow- 
man, 44 years; Moses Everett, 19 years; Thaddeus Mason Harris, 43 
years ; and Nathaniel Hall, 40 years. The present pastor, Samuel J. Bar- 
rows, was ordained in 1876. 

The New-England Church, W. H. H. Murray, pastor, organized in 1875 
as an independent Congregational church, has temporarily suspended its 
services to raise $200,000 for a church building. 

The Union Temple Church, worshipping in Tremont Temple, of which 
George C. Lorimer, D.D., is pastor, is the largest Baptist society in Amer- 
ica. This society was organized in 1863 by the consolidation of the Tre 
mont-street Church with the Union Church. The first pastor was J. D 
Fulton, D.D. The Union Temple Church is a free church, and discards 
the pew-system, depending for its pecuniary resources on the voluntary 
subscriptions and contributions of the congregation. This system has 
succeeded very well, the gross income in 1876 reaching $21,171. There 
is a large Sunday school connected with the church, and also a young men's 
organization called the Temple Union. Dr. Lorimer is a very popular 
preacher, and the congregations at the Temple are very large. During his 
administration nearly 1,000 persons have been received into membership. 
The church is sometimes called the " Stranger's Sabbath Home." 

The Central Congregational Church of Jamaica Plain (West Roxbury 
district, Boston) was organized in 1853 under the name of the Mather 
Church. Services were held in the Village Hall until 1856, when a newly- 
built church edifice on Centre Street was dedicated. In 1866 the name of 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



i63 



the society was chanii^eil from the Mather Church to the Central Congrega- 
tional Church. In 1871 the society sold its house of worship on Centre 
Street, purchased a lot of land on the corner of Elm Street and Seav- 
erns Avenue, and began 
the erection of a new house, 
which was completed and 
dedicated in 1S72. Joseph 
B. Clark is the pastor. 

St. John's Church, Tre- 
mont Street, between Ver- 
non and Clay Streets, Bos- 
ton Highlands, was built 
as a chapel of St. James 
Church, and was opened in 
1867. In 1 87 1 it became 
an independent parish, and 
the following year the build- 
ing was enlarged. George 
S. Converse, formerly rector 
of St. James Church, is the 
rector. The church is free, 
and will seat about 500. The 
society is Episcopalian. 

The German Lutheran 
Trinity Church, of the un- 
altered Augsburg: Confes- 




Central Congregational Church Jamaica Plain. 



sion, is an unpretending little building on Parker Street, Boston Highlands, 

which has been occupied by the 
German Evangelical Lutheran Trini- 
ty Society since 1871. The building 
was formerly known as Day's Chapel. 
Adolf Biewend is the pastor. A pa- 
rochial school is conducted in the 
basement. The services are in the 
German language. 

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross 
on Washington Street, at the corner 

^ of Maiden Street, is the largest and 

finest Catholic church in the city. It 

The l)uilding measures over 46,000 square feet, and 

In this respect it takes precedence of 




German Lutheran Trinity C^ 



was dedicated in 1875 

covers more than an acre of ground 

the Cathedrals of Strasbourg, Pisa, Vienna, Venice, Salisbury, and Dublin 



l64 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

The style is the early English Gothic, cruciform, with nave, transept, aisle, 
and clerestory, the latter being supported by two rows of clustered metal 
pillars. The total length of the building is 364 feet; width at the transept, 
170 feet; width of nave and aisles, 90 feet; height to the ridge-pole, 120 
feet. There are two main towers in front and a turret, all of unequal 
height, and all eventually to be surmounted by spires. The great tower on 
the south-west corner with its spire will be 300 feet high, and the small 
tower on the north-west corner will be 200 feet high. The gallery accom- 
modates a choir of 300, and contains an organ having over 5,000 pipes, the 
largest ever built in this country. It has 78 stops, besides 5 pneumatic 
knobs and 12 combination pedals. The entire interior of the cathedral is 
clear space, broken only by two rows of columns extending along the nave 
and supporting the central roof. The pews accommodate nearly 3,500 per- 
sons. The arch which separates the spacious front vestibule from the 
church is of bricks taken from the ruins of the Ursuline convent of Mount 
Benedict. The ceiling abounds in carved wood and tracery. The panels 
and spandrils show three shades of oak, with an outer line of African 
wood. Every alternate panel is ornamented with emblematic devices. The 
roof in the transept displays an immense cross of inlaid wood. On the 
ceiling of the chancel are painted angels representing Faith, Hope, Charity, 
and other virtues, on a background of gold. The frescoing on the walls is 
very handsome. The rose window over the principal entrance is in design 
a fine specimen of art. The stained transept windows, each 40 by 20 feet 
in size, have designs representing the exaltation of the cross by the Em- 
peror Heraclius, and the miracle by which the true cross was verified. 
The stained windows in the chancel represent the Crucifixion, the Ascen- 
sion, and the Nativity. These are memorial windows, and were gifts to the 
church. There are 24 smaller windows of stained glass, representing 
biblical subjects, in the clerestory of the transept and of the chancel. The 
sanctuary terminates in an octagonal apse. The high altar is formed of 
rich variegated marbles, and is to be surmounted by a fine canopy. On the 
Gospel side stands the Episcopal throne, the cathedra of the Bishop. On 
the right of the sanctuary is the chapel of the Blessed Virgin, containing a 
marble statue of the Virgin. There are three other chapels, — the chapel 
of St. Joseph, the chapel of St. Patrick, and the chapel of the Blessed 
Sacrament. The large vestry is between the chapel of the Blessed Sacra- 
ment and the sanctuary. The chantry, with a small organ, is over the vestry. 
John B. Smith is rector of the parish. The archbishop is the Most Rev. 
J. J. Williams. 

The mansion of the archbishop, in the rear of the cathedral, is quite 
stately and very convenient. The old house on Washington Street, that 
bars the view of a part of the Cathedral, is soon to be removed. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



1 65 




THE CATHEDRAL OF THE HOLY CROSS. WASHINGTON STREET. 



1 66 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

The Church of the Immaculate Conception, corner of Harrison Avenue 
and Concord Street, is a handsome granite edifice, 208 feet long by 88 feet 
wide, built in 1861 under the auspices of the Jesuit Fathers, at a cost of 
over $100,000. The lot of about 90,000 feet of land on which it stands was 
bought for $45,000. From the fioor to the ceiling, the height is 70 feet. 
The main divisions of the interior are effected by two rows of Ionic 
columns, with richly ornamented capitals, which mark the line of the side 
aisles with graceful and light shades. On the keystone of the chancel 
arch, there is a bust of Christ; and on the opposite arch, over the choir 
gallery, a bust of the Virgin. On the other circles there are busts of the 
saints of the Society of Jesus. Over each column there is an angel sui> 
porting the entablature. The altar is a fine piece of workmanship in mar- 
ble. On the panels is sculptured an abridgment of the life of the Virgin, 
— the Annunciation, the visitation to St. Elisabeth, the Nativity, the Adora- 
tion of the Magi, the Mater Dolorosa, and the Assumption. On either side 
of the altar are three Corinthian columns, with appropriate entablatures and 
broken arches, surmounted by statues of the Immaculate Conception of the 
Virgin, the whole terminated by a silver cross, with an adoring angel on 
each side. On the right side of the broken arch is a figure of St. Ignatius, 
with chasuble, stole, etc., and on the opposite side is that of St. Francis 
Xavier. Over the chancel is an elliptic dome, lighted by colored glass, with 
a dove in the centre with spread wings. Within the chancel rails are two 
side chapels, the one on the Gospel side dedicated to St. Joseph ; that on 
the Epistle, to St. Aloysius. The ceiling over the chancel is elliptic, and 
laid off in bands ornamented with mouldings. The painting behind the 
high altar is the Crucifixion, by Garialdi of Rome. The organ is one of 
the best in Boston, and the church is justly famous for the excellence of its 
music. Adjoining the church grounds is the Boston College, a Catholic 
institution, of which Rev. Robert Fulton is president. 

The Mission Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Tremont Street, 
Boston Highlands, which was completed and dedicated in 1S7S, is one of the 
largest churches in Boston. It is under the charge of the Redemptorist 
Fathers ; William Loewekamp being the rector. The church is a basilica, 
with transepts in the Romanesque style. The church has seats for 2,000 
people, and affords standing-room for an equal number. It cost over 
$200,000. The building is of Roxbury stone. Its length is 215 feet; 
width across the transepts 115 feet; width of nave and aisles 78 feet. 
The nave is 70 feet high in the clear, and the aisles are 34 feet high. 
Over the intersection of the nave and transepts rises an octagonal dome 
of 40 feet inner diameter, to a height of no feet. This dome is supported 
by four clusters of four columns each, all of polished granite, with finely- 
carved capitals. The sanctuary, which is very large, closes with a semi- 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



167 



circular apse, in which is the high altar. Six side altars find room in the 
chapels at the ends of the aisles and transepts. The chapel of Our Lady 
is built out from the west transept. Over the vestibule is the organ gallery, 
which, like the triforium galleries, is not open to the public. The basement 
accommodates about 1.600 people. The sacristy is in a special building 
west of the sanctuary. 

The Dudley-street Baptist Church, Boston Highlands, between Warren 
and Washington Streets, is 
a brick building in the 
Gothic style, covered by 
mastic. The church is 117 
by 75 feet in dimensions, 
with a tower and steeple 
200 feet high. The interi- 
or is divided into nave and 
side aisles by clustered col- 
umns, the auditorium and 
galleries containing about 
200 pews, which seat 1,100 
people. Henry M. King, 
D.D., is the pastor. There 
are over 600 members, and 
the society carries on many 
active charities. The first 
house of worship was of 
wood, and was dedicated in 
1820. The present edifice 
was opened in 1853. Joseph 
Elliot was the first pastor. 
His successors in the pas- 
toral office were William 
Leverett, Thomas F. Caldi- 
cott, D.D., and Thomas D. 
Anderson, D.D. 

The Catholic Apostolic Church is a small congregation worshipping 
in a hall at No. 227 Tremont Street. It represents a movement of which 
the distinctive feature is "the preparation of the church as a body for the 
coming and kingdom of the Lord." Its worship is celebrated Monday, 
Wednesday, and Saturday, at 6 a.m., Tuesday and Thursday at 5 p.m., and 
Friday at 10 a.m. On Sunday the celebration of the Holy Eucharist takes 
place at 10 a.m., and vespers at 5 p.m. The minister in charge is J. F. 
Wightman. 




Dudley-street Baptist Church, Highlands. 



i68 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



The West Church, Congregational, on Cambridge, corner of Lynde 
Street, is one of the old churches. It was built in 1806, taking the place 
of a wooden meeting-house built in 1736-37. This first building had a 
handsome steeple ; and it was situated advantageously to give signals during 
the early days of the revolutionary struggle to the Continental troops at 
Cambridge, on the opposite shore. The British officers, suspecting it had 
been used for this purpose, ordered the steeple taken down in 1775. The 
first pastor was William Hooper, from Scotland, whose pastorate lasted ten 
years. The other pastors were Jonathan Mayhew, D.D., Simeon Howard, 
D.D., and Charles Lowell. C. A. Bartol, D.D., the present pastor, was 
ordained in 1837, and has occupied the pulpit ever since. 

The Tremont-street Methodist-Episcopal Church, Tremont and Con- 
cord Streets, is a 
large, Gothic, nat- 
ural-quarry stone 
building, with two 
spires, respectively 
150 feet and 100 
feet high. It is the 
finest Methodist 
church in the city. 
Hammatt Billings 
was the architect. 
The society was or- 
ganized in 1848, un- 
der the name of the 
Hedding Church, 
and formerly occu- 
pied a brick edifice 
on South Williams 
(n o w P e 1 h a m) 
Street. The pres- 
ent building, com- 
pleted in 1862, has 
a seating capacity 

Tfemont-stree-f Methodist-Episcopal Church, corner of Concord Street. r r> i .1 

of 800 ; and the 
pastor is William S. Studley, D.D. The illustration of the church is from 
" Harper's Weekly." 

The Boston Evangelical Advent Church holds its services in the chapel 
corner of Hudson and Kneeland Streets, which was built in 1854. The dis- 
tinctive article in the Adventists' creed is that concerning Christ's return to 
the world, which they believe is near at hand, and which will be the begin- 
ning of the Millennium. Cyrus Cunningham is the pastor. 




KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 169 

The Somerset-street Baptist Church is a handsome building on Beacon 
Hill, and has the most prominent spire in the city, owing to its elevated site. 
The society of the First Baptist Church was formed in Charlestown in 1665, 
and after a great deal of persecution built a church in Salem Street in 1678. 
In 1771 a new church was erected on the same site; and in 1828 a brick 
house of worship, costing $44,000, was erected at the corner of Hanover 
and Union Streets. The church on Somerset Street was built in 1858, and 
is of brick with a stucco front. The spire is 200 feet high. In 1877 the 
First Church united with the Shawmut-avenue Baptist Church, and the 
Somerset-street edifice is therefore no longer used by the society. The 
pastor is Rollin H. Neale, D.D. In 1878 the First Free-Will Baptist 
Church, of which C. H. Smith was pastor, that had been worshipping in the 
Freeman-place Chai)el, removed to the Somerset-street Church. 

The Church of the Advent (Episcopal) was founded in 1844. Services 
were held first in a room at 13 Merrimac Street; later in a hall at the corner 
of Lowell and Causeway Streets ; and afterwards in a building bought by 
the parish on Green Street, near Bowdoin Square. Next the Bowdoin-street 
Congregational Church, popularly known as Lyman Beecher's, was purchased, 
and is now occupied. The rectors, in chronological order, have been : Wil- 
liam Croswell, D.D., who died in church while concluding the services ; the 
Right Rev. Horatio Southgate, D.D. ; and James A. Bolles, D.D. The 
present rector, C. C. Grafton, appointed in 1872, is one of a society of 
mission priests of St. John Evangelist that has ministered to the parish 
since 1870. In some of its features the parish is peculiar in its organization 
and administration. The corporation consists of the rector and some twenty 
laymen, who fill their own vacancies. No sale or rental of pews is allowed, 
all sittings being free. The expenses are defrayed by the Sunday offertory. 
The mission priests are a body of men consecrated to a hfe-service, who 
have no stipulated salaries, and who live in community. There are daily 
services in the church as follows : Holy communion every morning at 7 
o'clock, and on Thursdays also at 9.30 : morning prayers said at 9, and 
even-song sung at 5. The Sunday services comprise : Holy communion at 
7.30 and 11.45 A.M.; matins, 10.30; children's choral service, 3.30 p.m., and 
even-song 7.30 p.m. There are numerous special services in Lent. Con- 
nected with the church are several parochial and charitable works, including 
a boy's-choir school in Pinckney Street, and the Sisterhood of St. Margaret 
in Bowdoin Street, which has an orphanage in Lowell, and a young ladies' 
school in Chestnut Street. The parish, now comprising about 500 commu- 
nicants, is erecting a new building. 

The New Church of the Advent building is at the corner of Mount Ver- 
non and Brimmer Streets. It is to be constructed of brick and stone, with 
an interior finish entirely of brick and freestone. The main body, 72 by 73 



170 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



feet, will consist of nave, 76 feet high, two aisles and transepts. The chancel, 
with polygonal end, will be 30 by 48 feet. There will be a chapel, on the 
south side of the chancel, 18 by 33 feet ; a crypt with groined ceiling, beneath 
the chancel, 24 by 30 feet; schoolrooms, hexagonal in shape, 43 feet in dia- 
meter; and various other rooms. The tower will be 22 feet square, and 190 




The New Church of the Advent Mount Vernon and Br mmer Streets 

feet high. The baptistery will be in the church, under the tower. Attached to 
the church on the north side will be the clergy-house, four stories high, con- 
taining vestry, clergy and choir rooms, refectory, and dormitories. When 
completed, the exterior will present a picturesque appearance. The archi- 
tects are John H. Sturgis and Charles Brigham. After the completion of 
the new edifice, services will be held in both churches. 



JCING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



171 



The Brattle-square Church (Congregational), corner Commonwealth Ave- 
nue and Clarendon Street, is a massive edifice of Roxbury stone, in the 
form of a Greek cross. The church 
was dedicated in 1873. S. K. Lothrop, 
D.D., was the pastor. The tall, square 
tower, with carved figures near the top, 
among which are four statues of angels 
blowing gilded trumpets, is noticeable. 
The acoustic properties of this church 
are said to be quite bad ; and the society, 
being heavily in debt, has held no regu- 
lar services for some time. The society 
dates back to 1699, when the first house 
was built in Brattle Square, to be re- 
placed in 1773 t)y '^ larger edifice on 
the same ground. It was long known 
as the Manifesto Church, the original 
members having issued a document de- 
claring their aims. The British soldiers 
used the church as a barrack during the 
war. A cannon-ball from a battery in 
Cambridge, which struck the building, 
was subsequently built into the wall, 
Edward Everett was one of the pastors 
of this church. 

The Church of the Disciples was organized Feb. 28, 1S41, to '"embody 
the three principles ; of a free church, a social church, and a church in 
which the members, as well as the pastor, should take part." It was called 
"The Church of the Disciples," because its members came together "as 
learners in the school of Jesus Christ, with Christ for their teacher." Its 
creed has been " faith in Jesus, as the Christ, the Son of God, and the pur- 
pose of co-operating together as his disciples in the study and practice of 
Christianity." The society was organized by 43 men and women : and it 
was determined at the outset that the seats in the place of worship should 
always be free, — none sold or rented, — and that the entire expenses should 
be met by voluntary subscriptions. Among the first names signed on the 
church-books were those of Nathaniel Peabody and his three daughters, — 
one of whom afterwards became Mrs. Horace Mann ; another, Mrs. Nathaniel 
Hawthorne ; and the third, Miss Elizabeth Peabody, is well know^n in Boston 
as foremost in good works and also in many educational movements. Gov. 
Andrew was also a member of the society. The total number of names 
now on the church-book is 726. The present house of worship is on War- 




Erattle-square Church, Commonwealth Ave. 



172 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



ren Avenue, an unpretentious, roomy edifice, erected in 1869 by voluntary 
subscriptions. It was free from debt when finislied. The whole cost was 
less than the original estimate. The pastor is James Freeman Clarke, 
who has been pastor from the beginning. It is classed as Unitarian. 

The Berkeley-street Church is at the junction of Warren Avenue with 
Tremont, Dover, and Berkeley Streets. It was organized September, 1827, 
and was originally located at the corner of Washington and Pine Streets, 
takino- the name of the Pine-street Church. It belongs to the Trinitarian 
Congregational denomination. In April, 1862, it removed to the present 
site, and assumed the present name. In the list of its pastors are some of 
the most illustrious names in the Boston ministry; among them Thomas 
Skinner, D.D., Austin Phelps, D.D., and H. M. Dexter, D.D., editor of 

" The Congregationalist." 
On Sept. 30, 1877, the semi- 
centennial anniversary of 
the church was celebrated. 
In the summer of 1878 a 
debt which had oppressed 
the church from its origin 
was cancelled. The build- 
ing is believed to be the 
largest Protestant house of 
worship in New England. 
William Burnet Wright has 
been the pastor for eleven 
years. 

The Bowdoin-square 
Baptist Church was built 
in 1840, and is a solid- 
looking building with a 
front of unhammered gran- 
ite. The tower is 28 feet 
square and no feet high, 
with four battlements. The 
structure, which cost $70,- 
000, measures 98 by 73^ 
feet. The church had at 
the outset 137 members, 
and the first pastor was R. 
W. Cushman, D.D. The 
sittings in this house are free, and the expenses are met by voluntary 
weekly offerings. The present pastor is F. B. Dickinson. 




Bowdoin-square Baptist Church, Bowdoin Square. 



KING'S HANDBOOK' OF BOSTON. 



173 



The Second Church, Dorchester district, was organized Jan. i, 1808, by 
64 members who had been connected with the First Church in the same 
place, and was formed solely in consequence of an increasing population, its 
members separating from the old church with earnest mutual expressions of 
good-will. It has had but two pastors, — John Codman, D.D., and James H. 
Means, D.D. ^ Dr. Codman was a native of Boston, and a graduate of Har- 
vard, and remained the pastor of the church until his death, Dec. 23, 1847, 
at the age of 66, in the fortieth year of his pastorate. He was devoted to 
his work, and, possessed of wealth, was widely known for his benevolence. 
In the early part of his min- 
istry there were serious diffi- 
culties, owing to a difference 
of doctrinal belief between 
him and some of his people; 
but, after these were adjust- 
ed, there followed many years 
of a peaceful and prospered 
service. Dr. Means was or- 
dained July 13, 1848. During 
the 30 years of his ministry 
the church has been united 
and advancing. It has grown 
in size and in activity; and, 
as the population is filling in 
around it, it has the prospect 
of an enlarged field of use- 
fulness. Dr. Means ten- 
dered his resignation in Oc- 
tober, 1878, on account of im- 
paired health. The church 
still occupies the edifice first built, — a plain but spacious and tasteful 
building of wood, which was dedicated Oct. 30, 1806. It lias never been 
burdened by a mortgage, and there is no wish to exchange it for a costlier 
structure. The whole number of members from the beginning has been 
about 1,200, nearly 800 of whom were received upon profession of faith. 

The Church of the Unity grew out of the increasing needs of the people 
of the South End in the rapid growth of that part of tlie city. It was 
organized June 27, 1857, by an association of men well known, with a broad 
basis of religious doctrine, and a declared purpose of "promoting good 
morals, and the cause of Liberal Christianity." Its first pastor was George 
H. Hepworth, now of New York, who remained about 1 1 years. He was 
succeeded by M. K. Schermerhorn, who resigned after about 3 years' ser- 

' E. N. P.ick.ird, D.D., w.is installed p.aslor in April, 1879. 




Second Church, Washingtc 



174 



KING'S HANDBOOK' OF BOSTON. 



vice. He, in turn, was succeeded by M. J. Savage, the present pastor, who 
was installed September, 1874. The society first worshipped in a hall on 
the corner of Shawmut Avenue and Canton Street, but soon built the 
present church edifice, simple and tasteful in its architecture, well located 
on West Newton Street, and paid for. It has a seating capacity of over 

1,000. The society has always 
been prosperous, independent, 
and progressive in its spirit ; and 
it reports itself now as in a state 
of prosperity, financially and re- 
ligiously, never before surpassed. 
Mr. Savage, the present pastor, is 
a man of large culture and liber- 
ality, independent and outspoken 
in his views, of wide influence 
and popularity as a preacher. He 
has also become widely known as 
the author of several excellent 
books entitled " Christianity the 
Science of Manhood," " Litjht on 




Church o» the Unity, West Newton Street. 



the Cloud," " The Religion of Evolution," and " Bluffton," a novel of the 
religious type. The church is classed as Unitarian. 

The Harvard-street Baptist Church, on Harrison Avenue, corner of 
Harvard Street, was organized in 1839. It was formed in Boylston Hall, 
and was for some time called the Boylston-street Church : later it wor- 
shipped in the Melodeon Hall, now the Gaiety Theatre; and finally, in 1842, 
the present edifice was erected. The successive pastors have been Robert 
Turnbull, D.D. ; Joseph Banvard, D.D. : A. H. Burlingham, D.D.; D. C. 
Eddy, D.D. ; Warren Randolph, D.D. ; L. L. Wood, and T. J. B. House. 
The present pastor is O. T. Walker. Although having suffered by re- 
movals, between 1,700 and 1,800 persons have united with this church. 
The membership is nearly 300; the society is in a prosperous condition, 
and promises to continue in carrying on a good work in its vicinity. The 
building has a stone " swell" front, — almost alone in its style of architec- 
ture, — and contains seats for about 1,000 persons. 

The Columbus-avenue Universalist Church was organized in 1S17. Its 
first church was on School Street, on the site of the present School-street 
Block. Its present church edifice, erected in 1872, is of Roxbury stone, and 
is admirably adapted to its uses, being exceedingly cheerful and pleasant, 
with painted windows, including the " Man of Sorrows," the " Risen Lord," 
and the twelve apostles; symbols of Faith, Hope, Charity, and Purity; 
and memorials of the first pastor, Hosea Ballou, its Sunday-school super- 



J 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



ns 



intendent for thirty years, Thomas A. Goddard, and its eight deceased 
deacons. Its cost was $160,000. The parish, whose legal title is "The 
Second Society of Universalists in the Town of Boston," enjoyed the labors 
of its first pastor from 181 7 to the time of his death, in 1852, at the age of 
82 years. He was a man of great insight, marked originality, and singular 
simplicity and clear- 
ness in all his rea- 
sonings and teach- 
ings. E. H. Chapin, 
D.D., was his col- 
league from May I, 
1846, to May I, 
1848, when he re- 
moved to the city 
of New York. The 
present pastor, A. 
A. Miner, D.D., 
became colleague 
May I, 1848, and 
sole pastor in 1852. 
He was president 
of Tufts College 
from 1862 to 1S75. 
preaching regularly 
during that period 
to his parish each 
morning service, 
and to the college 
audience in the af- 
ternoon. Dr. Miner 
is now one of the 
senior pastors of 
the city. He has 
been ten years a 
member of the .State 
Board of Educa- 
tion, and through- 
out the 30 years of 
his ministry an ear- 
nest pleader for the 

cause of liberty and proliibition. His parish, sharing thus largely in edu- 
cational and reform work, has enjoyed great prosperity, and held through- 
out its history a conspicuous place in the body of Universalist churches. 






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Second Universaiist Chu 



Columbus Avenue. 



176 



K/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



The First Congregational Society of Jamaica Plain (Unitarian), previous 
to 1770, constituted a part of the Second or Upper Parish of Roxbury. 
Mrs. Susanna Pemberton, daughter of Peter Faneuil, with many other 
members, desired to have a church nearer their homes. Through her influ- 
ence, and the HberaHty of her husband (Benjamin Pemberton), a new society 
was formed, and a church built at Jamaica Plain. It was called the Third 
Parish in Roxbury, and was incorporated under that name. The house was 
completed in 1770; and in 17S3 Gov. John Hancock gave the society a 
church-bell that had been removed from the " New Brick " Church in Bos- 
ton. In 1854 a beautiful stone edifice was erected on the site of the wooden 
building, and in 1871 it was remodelled. In 1863 the corporate name was 
changed to " The First Congregational Society of Jamaica Plain." The 
pastors have been : in 1 772, William Gordon, an Englishman, and author of 
the "History of the American Revolution;" in 1793, Thomas Gray; in 

1836, George Whitney, as associate; 
in 1843, Joseph H. Allen; in 1845, 
Grindall Reynold ; in 1859, James 
W. Thompson, who is still in charge, 
with Charles F. Dole, appointed in 
1876, as associate. 

The Mount-Vernon Church, on 
Ashburton Place, formerly Somerset 
Court, was completed and dedicated 
in 1844, six months after the corner- 
stone was laid. The society was or- 
ganized in 1842, chiefly to secure the 
services of Edward N. Kirk, D.D., 
as pastor, whose death, in 1874, 
closed a life-long service of 32 
years, during which time he gath- 
ered about him a large and devoted 
congregation. Samuel E. Herrick, 
D.D., was installed in 1871 as pastor. 
At the organization of the church it 
had 47 members. Since that time 
1,596 have been added. The pres- 
Dwight L. Moody, the evangelist, first professed 




Mount-Vernon Church Ashburton Place. 



ent membership is 542 
religion in this church. 

The South Congregational Church, on Union-park Street, was first pro- 
posed in 1825, to accommodate Congregationalists who resided 'tr\ the vicinity 
of Boylston Market. The chairman of the first meeting was Alden Bradford, 
ex-secretary of the Commonwealth. In 1828 was laid the corner-stone of a 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. x^i 

church, which was finished in the following January. The first minister was 
Mellish Irving Motte, who had previously been an Episcopal clergyman 
in Charleston, S.C. His ministry lasted for 15 years. His successor was 
Frederic Dan Huntington, who, after 13 years' successful service, left the 
society to become the Plummer Professor at Harvard College. He was 
succeeded by the present minister, Edward Everett Hale, a graduate of 
Harvard College, who is one of the most untiring workers among the 
clergvmen of Boston, and whose literary work has made his name familiar 
all over the country. In i860 a larger church proved necessary; and on 
the 8th of June, in the midst of war and rumors of war, the corner-stone 
was laid. With remarkable promptness this beautiful church was finished 
in seven months, and dedicated Jan. 8, 1862. For the first time a responsive 
service was used in the church ; and, after reading selections from the Bible, 
the congregation, who had built the church, with united voices dedicated it 
" To the glory of God our Father, 
To the gospel and memory of His Son, and 
To the communion and fellowship of His Spirit." 

The Walnut-avenue Congregational Church, Roxbury district, was pri- 
marily an offshoot from the Eliot Congregational Church. Public services 
were first held Oct. 2, 1870, and a Sunday school of 17 classes was formed. 
Dec. 19, following, the church was duly recognized by a council of churches 
in the vicinity, under its present name, and with a membership of 84. which 
has since increased to 266. Albert H. Plumb was installed pastor Jan. 4, 
1872. The present edifice, called a chapel, though it is large, and has a 
seating capacity for about 600, is situated on the corner of Walnut Avenue 
and Dale Street. It wJis built of Roxbury stone, with Nova Scotia stone 
trimmings, and is of the Gothic style of architecture. Farewell services 
were held in Highland Hall, where the society first worshipped, May 25, 
1873 ; ^'^cl the new chapel was dedicated the following day. 

The Winthrop Congregational Church is on Green Street, Charlestown 
district. It was incorporated March i, 1833, and called the "Winthrop 
Church " in remembrance of the pious Gov. John Winthrop, who founded a 
church in Charlestown in 1630. The first house of worship was on Union 
Street. The corner-stone of the present edifice was laid May 31, 1848. The 
building is Gothic, of brown-colored brick; and the spacious auditorium is 
old style with modern pulpit. The pastors have been Daniel Crosby, 1833- 
1842; Jolin Humphrey, 1842-1847; Benjamin Tappan, jun., 1848-1857; 
Abbott E. Kittredge (now of Chicago), 1859-1863 ; and J. E. Rankin (now of 
Washington, D.C.), 1864-1870. The present pastor is A. S. Twombly, 1872. 
The church has 500 members, and a large Sunday school. It has always 
been distinguished as a conservative, generous society, maintaining the dig- 
nity of the Congregational polity. It has been a "mother of churches," 



178 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



sending its members to nearly all the churches of its denomination in Bos- 
ton and vicinity from time to time. Carleton College, Minnesota, and Doane 
College, Nebraska, were endowed largely by two of its members, and named 
from them. 

The Shawmut Congregational Church, organized in 1849, grew from the 
" Suffolk-street Union Church," a modest organization ot 50 members, formed 
on Nov. 20, 1845, It worshipped in a little chapel on Shawmut Avenue, 
built by the City Missionary Society, with George A. Oviatt, the latter soci- 
ety's general agent, as pastor. The first pastor of the organized Shawmut 

Congregational Church was William 
Cowper Foster, who was installed 
Oct. 24, 1849. He was succeeded 
by Charles Smith, then of Andover, 
who was installed Dec. 8, 1853, and 
occupied the position until the au- 
tumn of 1858. The church was 
then without a pastor until June 14, 
i860, when Edwin B. Webb, D.D., 
the present pastor, was called. He 
was installed Oct. 5, that year. 
The chapel of the Missionary So- 
ciety was used by the church until 
1852, when a new meeting-house 
was built, and dedicated Nov. 18, 
that year. Soon after Dr. Webb's 
settlement, this house was found to 
be inadequate; and in January, 1863, 
it was voted to erect a new one. 
Accordingly land was puixhased on 
the corner of Tremont and Brook- 
line Streets; and the present build- 
ing was erected, and was dedicated 
on Feb. 11, 1864. The society 
maintains a mission-chapel, which 




Shawmut Congregational Church, Tremont Street. 



was dedicated Nov. i, 1865. The twenty-iifth anniversary of the church, 
placing the date of its organization at the time of the establishment of the 
" Suffolk-street Union Church," was celebrated on the 20th of November, 
1870 ; and George A. Oviatt, the first pastor, preached the historical sermon. 
The Union Church was organized on June 10, 1822, with twelve mem- 
bers ; on the 1 8th another member was admitted ; and in August following 
twelve more, they having been dismissed from their respective churches to 
strengthen this young organization, — eight from the Park-street Church, 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 179 

three from the Old South, and one from the church in Braintree ; and in 
commemoration of this event the organization took its name. The first pas- 
tor of the church was Samuel Green, who was installed March 26, 1823. 
He resigned in 1833 on account of failing health; and his pastorate ceased 
on the 26th of March, 1834, the eleventh anniversary of his installation. A 
few months later he died. During his ministry 600 members were added to 
the church. Nehemiah Adams of Cambridge succeeded Mr. Green, and 
continued as senior pastor until his death, Oct. 6, 1S78. He was installed 
March 26, 1834; and in 1859 the twenty-fifth anniversary of his installation 
was duly celebrated. On Sunday, Feb. 14, 1869, Dr. Adams was taken dan- 
gerously ill in his pulpit, and from that time till May, 1871, was unable to 
preach; Henry M. Parsons in the meanwhile, Dec. i, 1870, having been 
installed as his associate. During Mr. Adams's active ministry, 993 per- 
sons were admitted to the church. Mr. Parsons, as associate pastor, was 
dismissed Dec. 30, 1874; and on the ist of February, 1876, Frank A. War- 
field, then of Greenfield, succeeded him. At present Mr. Warfield is the 
only pastor. The church from which the Union Church was formed first 
gathered in Boylston Hall. Soon after, several individuals erected a meet- 
ing-house in Essex Street; but, after the church had occupied it about two 
years, difficulties arose between the pastor and some of his church, and the 
pastor and the church as a body removed to Boylston Hall again. Subse- 
quently a minority, who declined to follow the pastor, were organized into 
a separate church, June 10, 1822 ; and Aug. 26 they took the name of Union 
Church, and obtained formal title to the Essex-street meeting-house, the same 
day. In 1840 this was remodelled, at an expense of $20,000; and on May 
22, 1869, after being occupied as a place of worship for almost half a century, 
the last public services were held within its walls, and it was soon after 
occupied for purposes of trade. The present beautiful and costly edifice, 
on Columbus Avenue, corner of Newton Street, to which the church re- 
moved, was dedicated Nov. 17, 1870. The building of this church em- 
barrassed the society by a heavy debt ; but this was wholly removed a few 
years later. 

The Church of the Messiah (Episcopal), on Florence Street, was organ- 
ized in 1843. Its first rector was George M. Randall, D.D., afterwards 
Bishop of Colorado, who continued as rector until his elevation to the 
episcopate in 1866. Pelham Williams, D.D., was his successor, and served 
until 1876, when he resigned, and Henry Freeman Allen (the present rector) 
succeeded him. Mr. Allen is of a Boston family, and was graduated at Har- 
vard in 1.860. In 1869 the seats in the church were made free to all, and 
have so remained ever since. At the same time there were introduced in 
the parish various important changes in its practice, including the use of 
daily morning and evening prayer throughout the year, the celebration of 



l8o KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

the holy communion on all Sundays and festival-days, and the rendering 
of the musical part of the service by a surpliced male choir. The order and 
character of the services are still the same. 

The Twenty-eighth Congregational Society was founded by Theodore 
Parker. ' It was organized in November, 1845, by "friends of free thought," 
after Mr. Parker had been preaching for some months in Boston. Services 
were held in the Melodeon until the autumn of 1S52, and afterwards in the 
Music Hall. Mr. Parker preached regularly until his illness in 1S59, and 
continued as minister until his death, May 10, i860. For a while after this, 
Samuel R. Calthrop, now of Syracuse, N.Y., occupied the pulpit ; from May, 
1865, to July, 1866, David A. Wasson was the minister; during 1867 and 
1868, Rev. Samuel Longfellow; from December, 1868, to November, 1871, 
James Vila Blake ; and the present minister is J. L. Dudley. The society 
has also had occasional pulpit services of such men as Ralph Waldo Emer- 
son, William Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillips, John Weiss, Moncure D. 
Conway, Francis E. Abbott, O. B. Frothingham : and such women as 
Ednah D. Cheney and Celia Burleigh. In 1866 the society removed to 
the Parker Fraternity Rooms, then at No. 554 Washington Street; and in 
1873 to the building on Berkeley, corner of Appleton Street, then newly 
erected by the Fraternity as a memorial to Theodore Parker, and known as 
the Parker Memorial Hall. 

The New Jerusalem Church Society (Swedenborgian) was formed in 
1818, of twelve members; and at the present date (1S78) the total member- 
ship is over 600. The late Thomas Worcester, D.D., the first pastor, was 
one of its original founders. During his collegiate course at Harvard he 
became deeply interested in the writings of Swedenborg, and entered the 
service of the newly-formed society immediately after he was graduated. 
He continued as leader and pastor for forty-nine years. James Reed, the 
present pastor, was ordained as Dr. Worcester's assistant in 1S60, and suc- 
ceeded him in 1867. The house of worship on Bowdoin Street was built 
and dedicated in 1845, and has been occupied ever since. Its seating 
capacity is about 800. For a long time there was no other society of the 
New Jerusalem or Swedenborgian Church in Boston or vicinity. Within a 
few years, however, churches have been estabhshed in the Roxbury district, 
Brookline, Newton, and Waltham, largely composed of members of the 
original society. In consequence of the small number of neighboring 
societies, nearly every district and suburb of Boston is represented in the 
congregations of the Bowdoin-street church. There is probably no other 
church in the city whose regular attendants come, on the average, from so 
great a distance. 

The Congregational House is on the corner of Beacon and Somerset 
Streets. It was put into its present form, and consecrated to its present 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



i8i 




Congregational House, Beacon Street.' 



use, in 1873. It has a frontage on -Beacon Street of 103 feet, and on Somer- 
set Street of 93 feet. It is built of faced granite, front and rear, and is 
owned and con- 
trolled by the 
American Congre- 
gational Associa- 
tion, which was 
incorporated in 
1854. It was in- 
tended to accom- 
modate, first and 
chiefly, all the be- 
nevolent societies 
having offices in 
Boston to which 
the Congregation- 
al churches make 
their regular con- 
tributions. It has, 
therefore, the ex- 
ecutive officers and workers of the American Board of Commissioners for 
Foreign Missions, the Woman's Board, the Congregational Publishing So- 
ciety, the Massachusetts Home 
Missionary Society, the Ameri- 
can Missionary Association, the 
American College and Educa- 
tion Society, the American Peace 
Society, the Congregational Li- 
brary, and the Boston City Mis- 
sionary Society. The editorial 
and business rooms of " The 
Congregationalist," the Massa- 
chusetts Total Abstinence So- 
ciety, Prof. L. B. Monroe's 
School of Oratory, and Thomas 
Todd's printing-rooms, are in 
this building ; and three of its 
stores are occupied by the Rox- 
bury Carpet Company. It has a 
large hall on the third floor, in 
Wesieyan Association Building, Bromfieid Street. which the Congregational minis- 

ters of Boston and vicinity hold weekly and occasional meetings, and the 




KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



Congregational Club has its monthly social gatherings. The religious issues 
of these various organizations, in the form of weekly, monthly, quarterly, and 
annual publications, are numbered by millions, and sent to every part of the 
English-reading world. 

The Wesleyan Association building, 34 to 38 Bromfield Street, east of 
the Methodist church, was erected in 1870 by the Wesleyan Association, a 
corporation organized for the purpose of publishing a Methodist family 
paper. In the rear wing of the second story there is a fine hall, with seats 
for 300 persons, that is used chiefly for meetings, lectures, and concerts. 
Among the occupants of the building, are the Methodist Theological Semi- 
nary, on the two upper floors: Nichols & Hall, booksellers; G. S. Bryant 
& Co., dealers in jDictures, frames, and photographers' materials ; and the 
Methodist Book Concern, on the first floor: "Zion's Herald;" The Massa- 
chusetts Temperance Alliance ; and " The Nursery," published by J. L. 
Shorey, on the second floor. 

The Boston Young Men's Christian Union was organized in 1 851, and 
^ incorporated in 1852. Its new and beau- 
tiful building, 18 Boylston Street, was 
dedicated in 1876. The aim of the Union 
is to provide for young men a homelike 
resort, with opportunities for good reading, 
pleasant social intercourse, entertainment, 
and healthful exercise. The Union is 
aided by many practical philanthropists. 
The Christmas and New-Year's Festival 
for needy children, the work of the Ladies' 
Aid Committee, the "Country Week" (a 
\acation for needy and worthy children), 
ire some of its special charities. Religious 
services are held Sunday evenings, in the 
Union Hall ; classes are formed for the 
udy of languages and the English branch- 
^ ; lectures, readings, and "practical talks " 
lie given ; dramatic and musical entertain- 
ments are offered; members' socials and 
out-door excursions are provided. The 
gymnasium is one of the largest and best- 
equipped in this country. There is an 
EmiDloyment Bureau for young men. Bureau of Reference for ladies. 
Boarding-house Committee, Church Committee, Reception Committee, and 
a Visiting Committee to care for the sick. The Union is non-sectarian, 
and the membersliip fee is one dollar a year. William H. Baldwin is the 




Young Men's Christian Union, Boylston St. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



183 



president of the Union, Henry P. Kidder chairman of the board of trustees, 
and Otis Norcross treasurer. In the basement is the l^nion coffee-room. 

The Boston Young Men's Christian Association was organized Dec. 
22, 185 1, and is the oldest " Y. M. C. A." in the United .States. With the 
exception of the Montreal association, wliicli was formed only one week 
earlier, it is the old- 
est in North America 
The first rooms oc 
cupied by the Boston 
association were at 
the corner of Wash- 
ington and Summer 
Streets. Its first 
president was Fran- 
cis O. Watts. From 
1853 to 1872 the As- 
sociation occupied 
rooms in Tremont 
Temple. The pres- 
ent building, which 
is owned by the As- 
sociation, is at the 
corner of Tremont 
and Eliot Streets 
During the war 5' 
of its members t 
listed in the Union 
armies, and went into 
the field ; and the 
Army Relief Com 
mittee raised $333,- 
237.49. which was 
expended by the 
Christian Commission. The Association also rendered efficient service in 
sending aid to Chicago after its great fire ; over $34,000 in cash being 
raised, besides goods to the value of $219,000. In 1878 the Association 
attained its highest record in money raised for current expenses. Its 
present membership is 3,077. Its library has 4,478 volumes, and its reading- 
room is well supplied with papers and magazines. The parlor is large and 
handsomely furnished. The gymnasium is spacious and well patronized. 
The sociables, receptions, lectures, and classes are very popular among the 
young men of the city. George A. Miner is president, and M. R. Deming 
general secretary. 




Young Men's Christian Association Building, Eliot Street. 



l84 KING'S HANDBOOK' OF BOSTON. 

The following is a complete list of the churches of Boston : — 



CLERGYMAN. 



Baptist. 

Bethel .... 
Bowdoin-square . 
Brighton-avenue . 
Bunker-hill . . . 
Central-square 
Clarendon-street . 
Day Star (colored) 
Dearborn-street 
Dudley-street . . 
Ebenezer (colored) 

First 

First of Charlestovvn 
Fourth-street . . 
Harvard-street 
Independent (colored) 
Jamaica Plain . . 
Neponset-avenue . 
Ruggles-street . . 

-South 

Stoughton-street . 
Trinity .... 
Twelfth (colored) 
Union Temple . 
Warren-avenue 

Catholic Apostolic 

Catholic Apostolic 

Christian. 

Tyler Street. 



Congregational Trin- 
itarian. 

Berkeley-street . . . 

Boylston 

Brighton 

Central 

Central, Jamaica Plain . 
Chambers-street . . . 
Dorchester Second . . 

Eliot 

E-street 

First Parish Church and j 
Society of Chs'n . ( 

Highland 

Holland 

Immanuel 

Leno.x-street Chapel . . 

Maverick 

Mount-Vernon . . . 
Old Colony Chapel . . 

Old South 

Olivet 

Park-street 

Phillips 

Pilgrim 

Salem and Mariners'. . 
Sh.awmut Branch Chapel 



1840 
1853 
1851 



1821 

1873 
1664 
1801 



1842 
1837 
1870 
1828 
1845 
1877 



1864 



1827 

1827 
1835 
1853 



1834 
i860 
1632 
1869 
1873 
1857 

^836 



1669 
1876 
1809 
1823 
1867 
1827 



Hanover, c. North Bennet St. 

Bowdoin Square. 

Brighton Avenue, Allston. 

Bunker-hill St., Charlestown. 

Central Square. East Boston. 

Clarendon, c. Montgomery St. 

Appleton, near Tremont .St. 

Dearborn Street. 

137 Dudley Street. 

85 West Concord Street. 

Shawmut .\ve., c. Rutland St. 

Lawrence, c. Austin St., Chs'n. 

Fourth, corner L Street, S.B. 

Harrison Ave., c. Harvard St. 

Joy Street. 

Centre, c. Myrtle Street, J. P. 

Chickatawbut Street, Neponset. 

Ruggles Street. 

Broadway, c. F Street, S.B. 

Stoughton,c. Sumner St., Dor. 

Lyceum Hall, East Boston. 

Phillips Street. 

Tremont Temple. 

Warren Ave., c. W. Canton St. 



27 Tremont Street. 



Heniy A. Cooke . 
F. B. Dickinson . 
Francis E. Tower 
William O. Holman 
J. Spencer Kennard 
Adoniram J. Gordon, D 

A. Ellis 

Charles A. Reese 
Henn' M. King, D.D. 
Wallace Webster. 

C. B. Crane, D.D. . 
John B. Brackett, D.D 
L. L. Wood . . . 
O. T. Walker . . . 
John W. Matthews . 

D. H. Taylor . . . 
Joseph Banvard, D.D. 
Robert G. Seymour . 
J. H. Barrows .. . 



George F. Warren, D.D 
William C. Dennis . 
George C. Lorimer, D 
O. P. Gifford . . . 



D. 



Jasper F. Wightman 



Tyler, corner Kneeland Street. Edward Edmunds 



Berkeley St., c. Warren Ave. 
Curtis St. n. Boyls'n-st.Sta.J.P. 
Wash'n St., opp. C.F. Hotel, Br. 
Berkeley, c. Newbury Street. 
Elm St., c. Seaverns Ave., J. P. 
Chambers, near Cambridge St. 
Washington, c. Centre St., Dor. 

Kenilworth Street. 

E Street, South Boston. 

Harvard Square, Charlestown. 

Parker, near Tremont Street. 
Parker, corner Ruggles Street. 
Moreland, c. Copeland Street. 
Lenox Street. 

Central Square, East Boston. 
Ashburton Place. 
Tyler, near Harvard Street. 
Dartmouth, c. Boylston Street. 
West Springfield Street. 
Tremont, corner Park Street. 
Broadway, n. Dorch. St., S.B. 
Stoughton Street, Dorchester. 
Salem, c. North Bennet Street. 
642 Harrison Avenue. 



William Burnet Wright 
S. Sherburne Mathews 
Henry A. Stevens . 



Joseph B. Clark . . 

F. B. Allen . . 
Edward N. Packard 
I A. C. Thompson, D.D. 
j B. F. Hamilton 
Simeon .S. Hughson 

Henry L. Kendall . 

Albert E. Dunning . 

G. Van DeKreeke . 
Lyman H. Blake 
W. L. Lockwood 
John V. Hilton . . 
Samuel E. Herrick, D 
D. W. Waldron . . 
Jacob 1\L Manning, D 
F. H. Allen . . . 
John L. Withrow, D.D 
R. R. Meredith . 
H. A. Shorey . . 
Stephen H. Hayes 
D. W. Waldron . 



D., 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



185 



Shawmut 

South Evangelical . . 

Trinity 

Union 

Village 

Walnut-avenue . . . 
Winthrop 

Congregational Uni- 
tarian. 

Arlington-street 
Brattle-square . . . . 
Bulfinch-place Chapel . 
Christian Unitj' Society 
Church of our Father . 
Church of the Disciples 
Church of the Unity. . 
Ch. of the Unity, of Nep. 
First 



First Cong. Society . . 

First Parish of Brighton 
First Parish of Dor. . . 
First Parish of W. Rox. . 
First Religious Society ) 
in Roxbury . . . i 
Hanover-street Chapel 
Harrison-square 
Harvard Chapel 
Harvard . 
Hawes-place Cong 
Hollis-street 
King's Chapel . 
Mount-Pleasant 
New North . 
New South Free 
Second . . . 
Second Havves Cong. 

South 

Third Religious Society 
Warren-street Chapel 
Wash.Vil. Union Chapel 
West . . . 



Episcopal. 

All Saints' 

Chapel of the Evangelists 

Christ 

Church of the Advent . 
Ch. of the Good Shepherd 
Church of the Messiah . 

Emmanuel 

Grace 

Reformed 

St. James 

St.Johnjsof B. H'ghl'ds 
St. John's of Charlestown 
St. John's of E. Boston 
St. John's of Jamaica PI 
St. Margaret's 
St. Mark's . 
St. Mary's . . 
St. Mary's of Dor 
St. Matthew's . 



184s 
1835 
1859 
1822 
1829 
1870 
1833 



1727 
1699 
1826 
1859 
1846 
1841 
1857 
1859 
1630 

1770 

1730 

1630 
1712 

1630 
1854 



1817 
1819 
1732 
1686 
1846 
1714 
1867 
1649 
1845 
1827 
1817 
1835 
1856 
1736 



1876 
1723 



1843 
i860 
1874 
1877 
1832 
1871 
1839 



1871 
1851 



LOCATION. 



Tremont, c. Brookline Street. 
Centre, c.Mt. Vernon St.W.Rox. 
Walnut Street, Neponset. 
485 Columbus Avenue. 
River, near Temple St., Dor. 
Walnut Avenue, c. Dale Street. 
Green Street, Charlestown. 



Arlington Street. 

Commonw'h Av.c. Clarendon St. 

Bulfinch Place. 



50 Meridian Street, E.B. 
W. Brookline St., c.WarrenAve. 
91 West Newton Street. 
Walnut Street, Neponset. 
Marlborough, c. Berkeley St, 

Centre, c. Eliot Street, J. P. 

Washington, c. Market St., Br. 
Winter, c. East St., Dorchester. 
Centre, c. Church St., W. Rox. 

Eliot Square, Roxbury. 

175 Hanover Street. 
Neponset Ave., c. Mill St., Dor. 



Main, c. Green St., Charlestown. 
K, c. East Fourth Street, S.B. 
Hollis Street. 

Tremont, corner School Street. 
221 Dudley Street. 



Camden, comer Tremont Street 
Boylston, near Clarehdon St. 
Broadw.ay, bet. G & H Sts., S.B 
Union Park .Street. 
Richmond Street, Dorchester. 
Warrenlon Street. 
Dorchester Street, South Boston, 
Cambridge, c. Lynde Street. 



Dorchester Ave., Dorchester. 

Charles, near Allen Street. 

Salem .Street. 

Bowdoin Street. 

Cortes Street. 

Florence Street. 

Newbury St., n. Arlington St. 

Dorchester Street, South Boston. 

Somerset St. (in Baptist Ch.). 

St. James, n. Wash. St. Roxbury. 

1262 Tremont Street. 

Bow, c. Richmond St., Chs'n. 

Paris, c. Decatur Street. E.B. 

Centre Street, Jamaica Plain. 

Washington, c. Church St., Br. 

West Newton Street. 

Parmenter Street. 

Bowdoin Street, Dorchester. 

408 Broadway, .South Boston. 



CLERGYMAN. 



Edwin B. Webb, D.D 
Edward Strong, D.D. 
Robert L. Gordon . 
F. A. Warfield . . 
Philander Thurston . 
Albert H. Plumb . 
Alexander S. Twombly 



John F. W. Ware 



Samuel H. Winkley . 



Warren H. Cudworlh 
James Freeman Clarke 
Minot J. Savage . 



Rufus Ellis, D.D. . 
\ James W. Thompson 
} Charles F. Dole . 
William Brunton, 
Samuel J Barrows . 
Aug. M. Haskell . 

John Graham Brooks 

Edwin J. Gerry . 
Caleb D. Bradlee 



Pitt Dillingham 
Herman Bisbee 



Henry W Foote . 
Carlos C. Carpenter 



William P. Tilden 



George A. Thayer 
Edward E. Hale . 
George M. Bodge 
William G. Babcock 
James Sallaway . 
Cyrus A. Bartol, D.D, 



George S. Bennitt . 

B. B. Killikelly . . . 
Henry Burroughs, D.D 

C. C. Grafton, D.D. . 
George J. Prescott . 
Henry F. Allen . . . 
Leighton Parks . . . 
Alex. Mackay Smith . 
Samuel Cutler . . . 
Percy Browne . . . 
George S. Converse. . 
Thomas R. Lambert, D.D 
F. S. Harradon ... 
Sumner U. Shearman . 
Thomas Cole .... 



Joshua R. Peirce 
L. W. Sahonstall 
John Wright . . 



1877 
1876 



1872 



1846 



1852 
1841 
1874 



1853 
1859 
1876 
1877 



1S75 



1874 



1861 
i 1870 



1856 
1878 
1865 
1868 
1837 



187s 
1877 
1868 
1872 
1874 
1876 
1878 
1877 
1877 
1872 
1874 
1856 



1876 



1872 
1878 
1874 



i86 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



St. Matthew's Chapel 
St. Paul's . . . . 
St. Stephen's . . . 
Trinity 



Freewill Baptist. 

D-street 

First 

Jewish. 

Cong. Har Moriah . 
Cong. Mishkan Israel 
Cong, Shaaray Tefila 
Congregational Bethel 
Ohabei Shalom . . 
Shomri Shabos . . 
Temple Adath Israel \ 
(German) . . . \ 

Lutheran. 

Evang. Lutheran Zion . 
First Scand. Evangel. . 
Immanuel's German . . 
Swedish Evan. Emanuel 
Trinity (German) . . 

Methodist. 

Bcnningt'n-street Chapel 
First African . . . . 
First Independent 
Zion (colored) . . . . 



Methodist Episcopal 

AUston . . . 
Appleton 
Broadway . . 
Dorchester . . 
Dorchester-street 
Egleston-square 
First .... 
Grace (German) 
Harrison-avenue 
Harrison-square 
Highland . . 
Jamaica Plain . 
Mariners' . . 
Mattapan 
Meridian-street 
Mount-Pleasant 
People's . 
Revere-street (col 
Roslindale . . 
Ruggles-street . 
Saratoga-street 
Second . . . 
Tremont-street 
Trinity . . 
Monument-square 
Washington Villag 
Winthrop-street 



1875 
1819 
1829 
1728 



1835 



1834 



859 



873 



LOCATION. 



East Fifth, c. N Street, S.B. 
134 Tremont Street. 
Tyler, corner Kneeland Street. 
Boylston, c. Clarendon Street. 



D, corner Silver Street, S.B. 
Somerset, near Beacon Street. 



72 Westminster Street. 

Ash Street. 

Winchester and Church Streets. 

284 Harrison Avenue. 

Warrenton Street. 

219 Hanover Street. 

139 Pleasant Street. 



Shawmut Ave., c. Waltham St. 

Parmenter Street. 

77 Chelsea Street, East Boston. 

Emerald Street. 

Parker, near Tremont Street. 



Bennington Street, East Boston, 
68 Charles Street. 
87 Shawmut Avenue. 
North Russell Street. 



Harvard Av.c. Farring'n St. All. 

Walnut St., n. Nep. Ave., Nep. 

Broadway, near F Street, S.B. 

Washington, n.Sanford St., Dor. 

Dorchester, c. Silver St., S.B. 

Washington, c. Beethoven St. 

Temple Street. 

777 Shawmut Avenue. 

375 Harrison Avenue. 

Parkman Street, Dorchester. 

160 Warren Street. 

Revere, c. Newbern St., J. P. 

North Square. 

Norfolk Street, Mattapan. 

Meridian, c. Decatur St., E.B. 



Columbus Ave., c. Berkeley St. 

Revere Street. 

Ashland,n. Florence St. ,W.Ro.v. 

Ruggles, c. Windsor Street. 

Saratoga Street, East Boston. 

Bromfield Street. 

Tremont, c. West Concord St. 

High, c. Wood St., Chs'n. 

Monument Sq., Charlestown. 

Washington Village. 

Winthrop Street, Ro.\bury. 



CLERGYMAN. 



John Wright . . . . , 
Wm. Wilberforce Newton 
Andrew Gray .... 
Phillips Brooks, D.D. . 



Isaac Ritterman 
L. Crown . . 
Mark J. Hamburger 
R. Lasker . . . 
Isaac B. Reinherz 

Solomon Schindler 



C. J. Hermann Fick 



C. F. Johannson , 
Adolf Biewend 



W. H. Hunter 
Henry Morgan 
R. H. Dyson . 



W. G. Richardson 
Charles F. Rice . 
John H. Twombly, D.D. 
Frank J. Wagner . 
Nicholas T. Whitaker 
D. W. Couch . . . 
J. A. AL Chapman, D. 
J. Kolb . . 



L. D. Br.agg . 
J. W. Johnston 
J. W. i'.ashford 
C. L. Eastman 
O. L. Carter . 
Lewis B. Bates 
Alfred Woods . 
J. W. Hamilton 



S. S. Curry 
William G. Leonard 
William R. Clark, D.D. 
W. F. Mallalleu, D.D. 
William S. Studley, D.D 
Alfred A. Wright . . 
Joseph H. Mansfield . 



H. A. Cleaveland 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



187 



NAME. 


d 
u 
s 

£ 


LOCATION. 


CLERGYMAN. 


u 


Miscellaneous. 










Boston Deaf-MuteSoc. . 
Church of "Jesus Only " 


'187s 


Boylston Hall. 

2 Beacon-hiU Place. 






Edmund Squire .... 


187s 

1874 


French Services . . . 


1874 


18 Boylston Street. 


N. Cyr 


Grove Hall 




Warren St., c. Blue-hill Ave. 


Charles Cullis 




New-England Indepen- \ 
dent Congregational ( 


1875 


Music Hall. 


William H. H. Murray . 


1875 


North-End Mission . . 


1877 


201 North Street. 


J. H. Crowell 


1878 


North-st. Union Mission 


1858 


144 Hanover Street. 


Philip Davies 


I86I 


Twenty -eighthCong.Soc. 


184s 


Berkeley, c. Appleton Street. 


John L. Dudley .... 




Union for Christian Work 




Heath Street. 


William Bradley .... 




New Jerusalem. 










{Sivedenborgian . ) 










Boston Highlands Soc. . 


1870 


St. James, c. Regent Street. 


Abiel Silver 


1870 


First New Jerusalem 


i8i8 


Bowdoin Street. 


James Reed 


1867 


Presbyterian. 










First 




Berkeley, c. Columbus Avenue. 
Meridian Street, East Boston. 


James B. Dunn .... 




First of East Boston . . 






First Reformed . . . 




Ferdinand, c. Isabella Street. 


William Graham .... 




First United .... 


1846 


Berkeley, c. Chandler Street. 


Alexander Blaikie, D.D. . 


1847 


Fourth 




Fourth, bet. G and H Sts., S.B. 


William M. Baker . . . 




Second Reformed . . . 




176 Tremont Street. 


David McFall .... 




Shawmut-street . . . 




8 Shawmut Street. 


P. M. McDonald . . . 




Reformed. 










German 


1833 


8 Shawmut Street. 


Louis B. Schwarz . . . 


1848 


Roman Catholic. 










Cathedral of the Holy / 


1803 


Washington, c. Maiden Street. 


John B. Smith .... 


1877 


Church of our Lady of i 
Perpetual Help . . ) 


1878 


1545 Tremont Street. 


William Loewekamp . . 


1878 


Church of our Lady of ) 
the Assumption . . ) 




Sumner Street, East Boston. 


Joseph H. Cassin . . . 




Church of our Most ) 
Holy Redeemer . . ( 




Maverick Street, East Boston. 


James Fitton 


185s 


Church of the Gate of ( 
Heaven .... 


1864 


I, near Fourth Street, S.B. 


M. F. Higgins .... 


1873 


Church of the Holy 
Trinity (German) . 


1842 


140 Shawmut Avenue. 


Francis X. Nopper . . . 




Church of the Immacu- 
late Conception . . 


1861 


Harrison Ave., c. E. Concord St. 


Robert Fulton .... 




Church of the Sacred \ 
Heart ..... j 




Brooks, c. Paris Street. 


L. P. McCarthy .... 


. . . 












St. Augustine .... 


1819 


Dorchester, near Eighth Street. 


Dennis O'Callahan . . . 


1 868 


St. Columbkille . . . 




Arlington, c. Market St., Br. 


P. J. Rogers 




St. P'rancis de Sales . . 
St. Francis de Sales . . 




Bunker-hill St., Charlestown. 
103 Vernon Street. 






J. J. Delahanty .... 




St. Gregory 




Dorch. Ave., n. Richmond St. 


W. H. Fitzpatrick . . . 




St. James 


1854 


Harrison Ave., n. Kneeland St. 


Thomas H. Shahan . . . 


187s 


St. John the Baptist } 
(Portuguese) . . ) 




North Bennet Street. 


H. B. M. Hughes, J.O.D. 


1878 


St. Joseph's 


1862 


Chambers Street. 


William J. Daly .... 


1878 


St. Joseph's of Roxbury 




Circuit Street, Ro.\bury. 


P. O'Beirne 




St. Leonard's of Port ) 
Morris (Italian) . ) 


187s 


Prince -Street. 


J. N. Boniface .... 


1878 


St. Marys of the Sacred j 
Heart ( 


1836 


Endicott, c. Thacher Street. 


William H. Duncan . . 


1877 



1 88 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



St. Mary's . . 

St. Patrick's 

St. Peter and St. Paul 

St. Peter's . . . 

St. Stephen's . . 

St. Theresa . . . 

St. Thomas . 

St. Vincent de Paul 



Second Advent 

Branch Chapel . . 
Evangelical Advent 



Universalist. 



Brighton . . 
Central-square . 
Church of Our Father 
First of Roxbury . 
First of Charlestown 
Grove Hall . 
Jamaica Plain 
Second 
Shawmut . 
St. John's . 



1829 
1835 



1842 



1872 



1S78 
1872 
1817 
1837 
1873 



Richmond -Street, Charlestown. 
Dudley, c. Magazine Street. 
Broadway, South Boston. 
Meeting-house Hill, Dorchester. 
Hanover, corner Clark Street. 
Spring Street, West Roxbury. 
South, c. Jamaica Street, J. P. 
E, corner Third Street. 



2029 Washington Street. 
Hudson, c. Kneeland Street. 



Union Square, Brighton. 
Central Square, East Boston. 
Broadway, opp. Blind St., S.B. 
Guild Row, c. Dudley Street. 
Warren Street, Charlestown. 
Blue-hill Ave., c. Schuyler St. 
Centre St. ,n.GreenoughAv.,J .P. 
Columbus Ave., c. Clarendon St. 
Shawmut Ave.,bel.Brookline St. 
Adams, c. Gibson Street, Dor. 



CLERGYMAN. 



William Byrne . . 
J. H. Gallagher . . 
William A. Blenkinsop 
Peter Ronan . . . 
Michael Moran . . 
Richard J. Barry 
T. L. Magennis . . 
William J. Corcoran 



John G. Hook 
Cyrus Cunningham 



B. F. Eaton 



John J. Lewis. 

A. J. Patterson, D.D, 

Charles F. Lee 

F. A. Dillingham 



Alonzo A. Miner, D 
Joseph K. Mason 
C. H. Leonard . 



O OS 

£ < 



1874 
1872 



1872 
1872 



1878 



1867 
1866 



1877 
'87s 



Note. — The names, and the dates of formation, of the churches were in most cases furnished by 
the clergymen in charge. Many of ihem differ from those published in other works. 



K/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



189 



Ei)t l^eart of tfje (ftttn. 

BENEVOLENT AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS, HOMES, 
AND ASYLUMS. 



THE many public and private organized charities of Boston are quite 
bewildering in their variety; and their work is done, as a rule, system- 
atically and well. Many thousand dollars are exjaended annually; and every 
class of the poor and unfortunate is in one way or another reached, more 
or less satisfactorily, by the several organizations ; and it would seem that, 
in a city so well supplied with such institutions, and with such a noble band 
of professional and volunteer workers, there should be little suffering and 
want within its limits. But, alas, and alas ! " The poor ye have always with 
you." And Boston, in spite of the organized efforts of thoughtful and good 
people, and the annual expenditure of large sums of money, has its full 
share of unrelieved suffering and want. 

The Central Charity Bureau and Temporary Home, established by the 
city, aided by 
$20,000 sub- 
scribed by citi- 
zens, occupies 
three substan- 
tial buildings 
of brick with 
granite trim- 
mings, on 
C h a r d o n 
Street; and 
here are ad- 
ministered its 
official out- 
door charities. 
The Charity 
Building is oc- 
cupied by the 
overseers of 

the poor, the city physician, and the paymaster of the soldiers' relief; and 
by the following private charitable societies : the Boston Provident Asso- 




Charity Building and Tennporaiy Home, Chardon Street. 



190 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



ciation, the Industrial Aid Society, the Boston Sewing Circle, the Ladies' 
Relief Agency, the Young Men's Benevolent Society, the German Emi- 
grant Aid Society, the Boston Police Relief Association, the Ladies' Co- 
operative Visiting Society, the Society for the Registration of Charities, 
and the Homoeopathic Dispensary. Since the establishment of this bureau, 
the charities of the city have been dispensed more systematically than ever 
before, and imposture in their bestowal has been to a large extent prevented. 
The Temporary Home is designed to provide for foundlings, and persons 
in a destitute condition. Only women and children are allowed to lodge 
there, but meals are given out to both sexes under the order of the over- 
seers of the poor or the superintendent. The able-bodied persons who apply 
for food are required to work before obtaining it: the men saw and pile 
wood, and the women do the housework. The architects of the buildings 
were Sturgis & Brigham. 

The Directors for Public Institutions, whose office is at 30 Pemberton 
Square, have charge of the city poor and reformatory institutions, a list of 
which is given in the chapter on " The Public Buildings." Among the 
places under their charge where the ofificial indoor charities are administered 
are the following : — 

The Almshouse for Girls, situated on Deer Island, where in 1877 there 
was an average of 65 inmates, besides an average of 47 inmates in the 
nursery connected with the house ; the almshouse for male paupers, on 
Rainsford Island, where 240 persons were kept in 1877, — a larger number 
than in any previous year, and which necessitated the enlargement of the 
buildings; the almshouse situated in the Charlestown district, on the north 
side of the Mystic River, near the Maiden Bridge, where in 1877 an average 
of 80 inmates was accommodated, 48 persons provided with lodgings, and 
1,460 persons furnished with meals, — the whole cost of the meals being $75 ; 
the Home for the Poor, on the Austin farm in the West-Roxbury dis- 
trict, which in 1877 had an average of 104 inmates; and the Marcella-street 
Home for pauper and neglected boys, with an average of 165 inmates. 

Of the character and extent of the private charities and benevolent work 
of the city, the following concise sketches of a few of the prominent organi- 
zations will give a fair idea; and they will be found, also, to contain much 
interesting information. 

The Registration of Charities was formed in 1876, by persons interested 
in charitable work, for the registration of families receiving aid from the 
various charitable organizations of the city; the object being to secure an 
interchange of information, to detect imposture, to discourage begging, to 
distinguish the worthy from the unworthy, and to promote economy and 
efficiency in the distribution of relief. The officers of the Executive Com- 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 191 

mittee are: Martin Brimmer, chairman; Miss F. R. Morse, secretary ; and 
the Rev. Henry F. Jenks, treasurer. The office is in the Charity Building. 
Twelve thousand names are on the list of persons receiving aid from the 
organizations reporting to this bureau. 

The City Missionary Society is the oldest institution of its kind in the 
country, having been organized in 1S16, and incorporated in 1820. It works 
not only to bring the non-church-going classes under the influence of religion 
by personal visits of its missionaries, gathering children and others into 
sabbath schools, neighborhood and chapel meetings, and the distribution of 
religious reading, but seeks the physical welfare of the poor by procuring 
employment for them, providing homes for orphan and destitute children, 
and extending pecuniary aid. It now employs 20 male and female mission- 
aries, who visit 10,000 families a year. The annual expenditures of the 
society amount to $25,000. It is supported by Congregationalists, but is 
unsectarian in its operations. The headquarters of the society are in the 
Congregational House, corner of Beacon and Somerset Streets. 

The Boston Provident Association was organized in 1851, and incor- 
porated three years later, to aid in suppressing street-beggary, and in 
"elevating and improving the condition of the poor." Relief is distributed 
systematically in all sections of the city, through special officers serving 
gratuitously : and to many employment is furnished. About 5,000 families 
are relieved by this society yearly. The expenses of the society average 
$20,000 a year. It is supported by yearly subscriptions, donations, and in- 
come from legacies. The head office is in the Charity Building, Chardon 
Street. Robert C. Winthrop, the president, has held that office for 25 years. 

The Roxbury Charitable Society was formed as long ago as 1794. for 
"the relief of the poor and the prevention of pauperism." Clothing, fuel, 
provisions, and money to a limited extent, are distributed, through an agent, 
exclusively to citizens of the Roxbury district. The society has a large 
fund, from legacies, donations, and subscriptions ; and its disbursements are 
generous and extensive. The agent has headquarters in Cox Building, on 
the corner of Dudley and Bartlett Streets. 

The Home for Aged Poor, Roxbury district, was established in 1870, 
and incorporated two years later, by the " Little Sisters of the Poor," a 
Catholic sisterhood instituted some years ago in France by a poor priest 
and two working-girls of St. Servan. Their special purpose is to support 
old people in various countries. The sisterhood now includes 2,000 sisters, 
and supports 20,000 old people. Applicants are received without regard to 
their religious professions or nationality : they must simply be of good 
moral character, destitute, and 60 years old. The charity is maintained by 
daily collections of the sisters, and by donations. Among those who have 
aided it by gifts is Mrs. Andrew Carney, the widow of the founder of the 



192 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



Carney Hospital. The Home is pleasantly situated on Dudley Street, cor- 
ner of Woodward Avenue. One building accommodates 41 aged women, 
and another 40 aged men. Eleven sisters manage the institution, and the 
sisters do the domestic work. None receive salaries or wages. When the 
new building is completed, next year, there will be accommodations for 200 
old people. 

The Winchester Home for Aged Women, in the Charlestown district, 
was founded from a bequest, valued at j; 10,000, left by Mrs. Nancy Win- 
chester of that district for this purpose, and was opened in 1866 with six 




Winchester Home for Aged Women, Eden Street, Charlestown District. 

inmates: the present number is 29. The building now occupied. No. 10 
Eden Street, was erected in 1872-3. The beneficiaries must be of American 
birth, 60 years of age, and must have been residents of the Charlestown 
district for ten years preceding application. They are charged $100 for 
admission fee, and about $50 for furniture. The expenses are met by the 
income of the Winchester property, entertainments, donations, and sub- 
scriptions. Liverus Hull is president, Abram E. Cutter secretary, and Mrs. 
Louisa A. Ramrsey matron. 

The Home for Aged Colored Women, situated at 27 Myrtle Street, was 
founded in i860, and incorporated four years later. Among those interested 
in its establishment were the late Gov. John A. Andrew and James Free- 
man Clarke. It cares for from 1 8 to 20 inmates, and renders outside assist 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



193 



ance to others. It is supported by subscriptions and donations, its ex- 
penses being from $3,000 to $4,000 a year. Its general work is carried on 
by the directors, most of whom are ladies. 

The Home for Aged Women, at 108 Revere Street, was organized in 
1849, and has furnished a home to nearly 300 aged persons, of whom 158 
have died while _ 

in its care. The _ - — 

present number 
of inmates is 
about 90. About 
half of that num- 
ber, being aged 
and infirm per- 
sons who have 
been useful as 
nurses to the sick, 
are also aided at 
their own homes 
in quarterly in- 
stalments, from a 
special fund be- 




Home for Aged Women, Revere Street. 



queathed for this purpose. Henry B. Rogers is president, Henry Emmons 
secretary, and Miss L. D. Paddock matron. 

Disabled Soldiers and Sailors and their families, and the families of 
those who lost their lives in the late war, and who have died since the 
war of injuries received or disease contracted during service, receive aid 
from the city at the Central Charity Bureau on Chardon Street. During 
the year 1877 the amount paid was $78,163. At the beginning of 1878 
there were about 1,400 beneficiaries. The State repays the city for 
amounts paid out in this aid. 

The Industrial Temporary Home, No. 17 Davis Street, was chartered 
in 1877, to furnish temporary lodging and food for destitute jiersons of both 
sexes, who are willing to work. Those parties who contribute certain sums 
to this institution are given tickets entitling the bearer to meals or lodging, 
on condition of working a specified time in payment of the same. Help 
for laundry-work, sewing, wood-sawing, and manual labor of all kinds, is 
furnished by the institution, which is supported by the income derived in 
that way, and by contributions. Rev. A. J. Gordon is president, Mrs. D. C. 
Maxwell matron, and Stephen T. Andrews superintendent. 

The Home for Aged Men, on Springfield Street, which was organized 
in 1861, is an institution tiie purpose of which is to provide a home for, and 
otherwise assist, respectable aged and indigent men. Since its establish- 



194 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



ment, there have been 96 inmates, and 85 old men have received aid at 
their own homes. The home was first opened in 1861, at No. 17 South 
Street, and was removed in 1869 to the present building, which was pur- 
chased of the city. The building was erected in 1855 for a lying-in hospital, 

_ _^=^ and was occupied 

for that purpose 
almost two years. 
It was subse- 
quently bought 
by the Female 
Medical College, 
but soon reverted 
to the city, and 
during the war, 
and for several 
years after, was 
used as a home 
for discharged 
soldiers. Only 
natives of the 
United States are 
admitted as bene- 
ficiaries. The 
Home is sup- 
ported by volun- 




Home for Aged Men, Springfield Street. 



tary contributions. Peter C. Brooks is president, David H. Coolidge clerk, 
and Sarah W. Lincoln superintendent. 

The Children's Home, and Home for Aged Females, originated in 
1856, and opened in 1859, is designed to provide for orphan or half-orphan 
children, and old women of small means having no near kindred. It charges 
a low rate of board, — for children $2.00, and women $4.00 per week. It is 
pleasantly situated on Copeland Street, in the Roxbury district; and the 
number of inmates averages 20. The yearly expenses are $4,500, and it 
is supported by subscriptions and generous donations. The management is 
not sectarian. 

The Temporary Home for the Destitute cares for young children, and 
finds homes for them where they will be well treated, and brought up in a 
manner that will make them useful members of society. It also relieves 
destitute children, infants, and women out of employment. The work 
began 32 years ago, through the efforts of John Augustus and Eliza 
Garnaut, the former a poor shoemaker, and the latter an estimable widov/. 
It was incorporated in 1852. During the year 1877 the Home received 268 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



195 



children, including 34 infants, returned 140 of them to their parents, placed 
79 for adoption, and provided homes for 60 in families. The president is 
John Ayres, and the matron Mrs. A. L. Gwynne, who has served since 1848. 
The Home is at No. i Pine Place. 

The Children's Mission to the Children of the Destitute occupies a 
brick building at No. 277 Tremont Street, near Hollis Street. It was 
instituted in 1S49, incorporated in 1864, and is fostered by the Unitarians, 
though it is not sec- 
tarian in its functions 
or purposes. Its ob- 
jects are thus stated : 
" First, A mission to 
the poor, ignorant, 
neglected, orphan, 
and destitute chil- 
dren of this city : to 
gather them into day 
and Sunday schools, 
to provide homes 
and employment for 
them, and to adopt 
and pursue such 
measures as will be 
most likely to save 
or rescue them from vice, ignorance, and degradation ; and to place them 
where they will receive such an education and be taught such occupations 
as will best fit them to support themselves, and enable them to become 
good and useful members of society. .Second, To excite in the minds of the 
children of the more favored portion of our community a spirit of Christian 
sympathy and active benevolence, and, by interesting them in a work which 
appeals so strongly to their hearts, to stimulate them to acts of self-denial 
and earnest helpfulness, and thus prevent the growth of those seeds of 
selfishness which are so often early planted in the young mind." The 
Mission has found homes in New England and the West for about 6,000 
children, and has afforded temporary aid to many more. Henry P. Kidder 
is president, and William Crosby superintendent. 

The Massachusetts Infant Asylum was incorporated in 1867, to assist 
and provide for deserted and destitute infants. Babes of nine months and 
under are received, and when reaching the age of two years are discharged, 
excepting in cases of delicate health when discharge might endanger their 
lives. The State pays the Asylum for the board of State pauper infants. It 
occupies a building of its own in the Jamaica-Plain district, near the Boyl- 




Children's Mission, Tremont Street. 



;96 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

ston station of the Providence railroad. The average number of infants 
provided for annually is about 130. Usually about 25 children are cared 
for in the asylum, and between 50 and 60 are boarded out, according to a plan 
adopted about a year ago to relieve the house from the pressure of increas- 
ing admissions. The yearly expenses are between $13,000 and $14,000. 

The Infant School and Children's Home, incorporated in 1869, to take 
and care for children until their parents could provide for them, and to find 
permanent homes for children without friends or worthy parents, is an out- 
growth from an institution started in 1833 to care for poor children during 
the absence of their parents at daily work. The i^resent Home is at No. 36 
Austin Street, Charlestown district. About 30 children are cared for each 
year: and the annual expense of the Home is about ?i,5oo, met by private 
subscriptions and donations. 

The Church Home for Orphans and Destitute Children has grown, from 
an organization in 1S54 10 systematically provide clothing for poor children 
to enable them to attend Sunday school, to a thoroughly equipped home 
that is now providing for 100 children. The Home is situated at the cor- 
ner of Broadway, N, and Fourth Streets, and is supported and controlled 
by the Protestant Episcopal churches of the diocese of Massachusetts, 
though children of all denominations are received. The expenses aver- 
age $10,000 a year, and are met by subscriptions and donations. 

St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum, for destitute girls, was established in 
1831, and incorporated in 1845. It is located on Shawmut Avenue, corner 
of Camden Street. Children are admitted without regard to creed or color, 
and from time to time are given for adoption or placed out at service. Thir- 
teen Catholic sisters have charge of the institution, and serve without pay ; 
doing too, with the children, the domestic work. The yearly expense, about 
$12,000, is met by annual collections taken in all the Catholic churches in 
the city and vicinity, donations, and fairs ; and each church supports a cer- 
tain number of children. The expenses of some children are paid by rela- 
tives or friends. The Asylum cares for 225 children annually. 

The Association for the Protection of Destitute Catholic Children was 
organized and incorporated in 1864, and a home established for destitute 
orphan or neglected children. The present building, which cost with the 
land nearly $150,000, is situated on Harrison Avenue, opposite the Church 
of the Immaculate Conception. Between 300 and 400 children are annually 
received into the institution, and are cared for and instructed by the Sisters 
of Charity. On leaving, the children are returned to their friends, places 
are found for them, or they are provided with homes elsewhere. The cor- 
poration is wholly Catholic, though it is understood that children of all 
denominations will be received. The yearly expenses, between $12,000 and 
$14,000, are met by income from invested funds, donations, collections in 
churches, etc. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



197 



St. Joseph's Home for Females is a home for domestics sick and out of 
work, and is managed by the sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. It 
is a Catholic institution, at Nos. 41, 43, and 45 Brookline Street. It is 
wholly a charitable institution, and with few exceptions no charges are made 
to the inmates. Mother Mary Corbett is tlie Superior. 

The Baldwin-place Home for Little \A^anderers is a worthy charitable 
institution at the North 
End. Its object is to res- 
cue children from want and 
shame, provide them with 
food and clothing, give them 
instruction, and place them 
in proper homes. It is not 
sectarian, six denominations 
being represented in the 
board of directors. It was 
incorporated in 1865, and 
the Home was dedicated 
the same year. The num- 
ber of children received in 
13 years has been 4,509. 
J. Warren Merrill is presi- 
dent, Pliny Nickerson sec- 
retary, Wm. G. Brooks, jun., 
treasurer, and R. G. Toles 
superintendent. 

The Society of Vincent de Paul was organized in iS6i,"and incorporated 
in 1S69, for the purpose of "training its members to a life of Christian 
charity." The poor are visited at their homes, and relieved ; a number of 
young children are supported by the society at the St. Ann's Infant Asylum. 
Under its supervision are 14 subordinate organizations, or conferences, one 
of which is in Chelsea, and one in Cambridgeport. The members must be 
Catholics ; and the funds are derived from their voluntary subscriptions, 
donations, lectures, collections in churches, etc. Its income is large, and its 
expenditures generous. It aids yearly over 3,000 families, and its agents 
average 20,000 visits. The society is a branch of tlic society of the same 
name in Paris, which originated in 1833. 

The Penitent Females* Refuge and Bethesda Society is formed by the 
practical union of two organizations, — the "Associated Brethren," an or- 
ganization of twelve gentlemen who established the Females' Refuge in 
1818; — and the Bethesda Society, an organization of ladies, incorporated 
in 1854. The society maintains a home for the reformation of abandoned 




Home for Little V^anderers, Baldwin Place. 



198 



AGING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



women. It accommodates 23 inmates, of ages ranging from 14 to 31 ; and 
admission is conditional upon an expression of a sincere desire to reform, 
and promise of submission to the regulations. The home is at No. 32 Rut- 
land Street, in a building that cost $12,000, the gift of benevolent citizens, 
on land given by the city. The institution is supported by income from a 
permanent fund of $10,000, and generous gifts and subscriptions. 

The House of the Angel Guardian, a Catholic institution, was established 
in 1851, and incorporated in 1853. Its chief object is to care for wayward 
boys, orphans, and destitute children. Its graded school system draws 




House of the Angel Guardian, Vernon Street. 

many boarders who avail themselves of the instruction given in the English, 
commercial, and mathematical departments. It is endowed, and owns 
property valued at more than $87,000, and receives donations. Its annual 
expenses are about $20,000, and the number of inmates average about 
200. The house was established and planned by the Rev. George F. 
Haskins, a graduate of Harvard College, who devoted to it his services 
as rector and treasurer till his death, in 1872. He contributed $20,000. 
It is now conducted by the Brothers of Charity, of which F. Justinian is 
superior, and for order, neatness, and comfort is not excelled by any insti- 
tution in the .State. • It is beautifully situated at 85 Vernon Street, Roxbury 
district. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 199 

The New-England Moral Reform Society is an organization for a pur- 
pose similar to that of tlie Penitent Females' Refuge Society. It undertakes 
to reform dissolute women, and aid them to suitable employment; and it also 
aids the friendless who have fallen. It cares for 30 or 40 women yearly, and 
its annual expense averages $4,000. It is located at No. 6 Oak Place. One 
of its founders, Catherine Kilton, was for 30 years its president. The soci- 
ety publishes a monthly magazine, " The Home Guardian," from which it 
receives some income. It is further supported by subscriptions, the pro- 
ceeds of certain investments, and gifts and legacies. The society was organ- 
ized in 1836, and incorporated in 1846. 

The Industrial School for Girls was incorporated in 1855, "for the pur- 
pose of training to good conduct, and instructing in household labor, desti- 
tute or neglected girls." It is located on Centre Street, Dorchester district, 
and has accommodations for about 30 girls. The age of admission is from 
6 to ID, and places are found for the girls when they leave the school, gener- 
ally at 18 years of age. Such girls as have relatives or friends able to do 
so, pay a moderate sum for board, but the most of them are cared for gratui- 
tously. The annual cost of the school is about $5,000. It is sustained by 
yearly subscriptions, and income from investments. 

The Scots' Charitable Society was incorporated in 1786; but it was in 
existence long before that time, having been founded in 1657. It is believed 
to be the oldest private charitable society in the city. Its object is to furnish 
relief to, and aid in various ways, unfortunate Scottish immigrants, their 
families and descendants. In 1869 St. Andrew's Home was temporarily es- 
tablished by the society at 73 West Concord Street, where unfortunate Scots 
were received and cared for until employment was found; but in 1872 the 
Scots' Temporary Home was permanently established at No. 77 Camden 
Street. The society also owns a lot at Mount Auburn, where friendless 
Scots receive burial. The income of the society is derived from a perma- 
nent fund, initiation fees, yearly assessments of members, and donations. 
The membership is now 265. Active members must be natives of Scotland 
or immediate descendants ; but honorary members may be of different na- 
tionalities. From 200 to 300 annually receive the benefits of the society. 
Among the working officers is a committee of charity. 

The Charitable Irish Society is another organization of long standing. 
It was organized in 1737, and incorporated in 1809; and for nearly a century 
it was the only Irish charitable society in New England. Its original pur- 
pose was to furnish temporary loans to needy members, and to relieve 
friendless Irish immigrants; but of later years it has made annual donations 
of from $300 to $500 to some deserving charity, few members calling for 
aid. The years immediately following the Revolutionary War, it extended 
timely relief to those of its members who were disabled, in one way and 



200 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

another, by the war. Its meetings are held at the Parker House, but it has 
no established headquarters. 

The German Emigrant Aid Society extends a helping hand to German 
immigrants, principally in aiding them to employment, and providing tempo- 
rary support ; it also aids poor German residents, particularly widows and 
orphans, or the sick. The society employs an agent to look after immigrants 
arriving at the port of Boston. It aids about 800 persons yearly. Its in- 
come is derived from the invested funds, dues from members (who number 
220), and from donations. The society has an office in the Charity Building, 
Chardon Street. 

The New-England Scandinavian Benevolent Society was organized in 
1853, and incorporated two years later, its main object being mutual relief: 
of late years its aid has been given, to a considerable extent, to persons not 
members. It distributes about $1,000 a year to the poor. The membership 
is 180. The office of the society is at No. 153 Hanover Street. 

The Massachusetts Society for Aiding Discharged Convicts is a prac- 
tical organization, which offers a helping hand, when it is most needed, to 
those who face the world again after a term in prison. It aids the convict 
just after his discharge, with temporary board, clothing, conveyance to 
friends, tools to work with, and helps him to find employment. The society 
was organized in 1846, and was incorporated under its present name in 1867. 
Among its founders were Charles Sumner, S. G. Howe, Walter Channing, 
and Edward E. Hale. The average number of convicts helped each year 
is 150. The funds are provided by yearly subscriptions, gifts, and legacies. 
It expends from #1,500 to $2,000 yearly. 

The Young Men's Benevolent Society, organized in 1827, but not in- 
corporated until 1852, is "to assist those who have seen better days," espe- 
cially respectable persons who are unwilling to make their needs publicly 
known. It has a standing committee resident in different sections of the 
city, and applications are received by them. Its expenditures are mostly in 
supplies and the payment of rents. It obtains funds partly from annual 
assessments on its members, but chiefly from donations. An average of 
1,000 cases of destitution arc relieved yearly. The president is Thomas C. 
Amory, and the secretary J. Russell Reed. Its meetings are held in the 
Charity Building. 

The Needlewoman's Friend Society was organized in 1847, and incor- 
porated in 1 85 1, for the purpose of providing employment for indigent 
females. Materials for garments are supplied by the funds of the society, 
the cutting is done by the managers, the sewing is given out to poor women 
at remunerative prices, and the garments thus made are offered for sale at 
low prices, at the rooms of the society. No. 86 Chauncy Street. The society 
also finds permanent employment for poor seamstresses in the finer sort of 



A'/JVG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



needlework. Its funds are raised by subscriptions and donations, and it 
has received several legacies. 

The Boston Sewing Circle does a work similar to that of the Needle- 
woman's Friend Society. Money for materials, about $4,000 a year, is 
raised by annual subscription. Garments are cut by the ladies of different 
churches each week through the winter ; and the work is done by the 
poor under charge of the several ladies, who pay for it, and distribute the 
garments, when done, to the poor about them. Each winter it benefits 
3,000 or more poor women. The society was formed in 1862, to work for 
the soldiers ; and for a while after the war the garments made for it were 
distributed to the white school-children of the South. Its headquarters are 
in the Charity Building. The whole board of managers, of which Miss I. E. 
Loring is ]M'esident, is composed of ladies. 

The Boston Port and Seamen's Aid Society was incorporated in 1867 
by the union of the Port Society 
and the Seamen's Aid Society. 
Its aim is to "improve the moral, 
religious, and general condition 
of seamen and their families in 
Boston and its vicinity ; to relieve 
sick and disabled seamen and 
their families ; to afford aid and 
encouragement to poor and in- 
dustrious seamen ; and to pro- 
mote the education of seamen's 
children." The Mariners' House, 
built by the Port Society in 1847, 
is a brick building, four stories 
high, on North Square, and is 
under charge of an experienced 
mariner. It accommodates from 
80 to 100 persons, and has a 
chapel, reading-room, and library. 
C. L. Eastman is the pastor, and 
David H. Baker the superintend- 
ent. R. C. Waterston is j^resi- 
dent of the society. Mr. Eastman 
says, " Bad whiskey and bad wo- 
men are the curse of the mariner." 
There were 615 boarders in 1877. 
The Bethel Chapel, a modest structure opposite the Mariners' House, seats 
a congregation of several hundred. It was here that the famous ex-mariner, 
Edward T. Taylor, better known as " Father Taylor," preached. 




Seamen's Bethel, North Square 



202 KING'S HAIVDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

The Boston Seaman's Friend Society is a branch of the American Sea- 
man's Friend Society, and has for its object the furnishing of regular evan- 
gehcal ministrations for seamen, and tlie employment of other means for 
their spiritual and temporal welfare. It supports the Salem and Mariners' 
Church, and Sailors' Home, corner of Salem and North Bennett Streets. 
Joseph C. Tyler is president, B. F. Jacobs superintendent of the home, and 
S. H. Hayes pastor. This work is principally supported by contributions 
from the Orthodox Congregational churches of Boston and its vicinity. 

The House of the Good Shepherd is a branch of the New-York society 
of the same name. It was established in 1867, and owes its foundation 
largely to Bishop Williams of Boston, who provided its first site, a dwelling- 
house on Allen Street, and supplied its early needs. Its object is "to pro- 
vide a refuge for the reformation of fallen women and girls ; " and it also 
maintains a " Class of Preservation," made up of wayward and insub- 
ordinate girls, whose habits endanger their virtue. The present house is 
located on Tremont Street, Roxbury district, in a building erected for it. 
It has provision for 150 inmates, and is crowded. It is managed by the 
Sisters of the Good Shepherd, a Catholic society originating in France in 
1646; but girls and women of all denominations are admitted. A grant 
of $10,000 was made by the State in 1870, to aid in building the present 
edifice. 

Boffin's Bower is one of the most original and useful charities in the 
city. Jennie Collins is the presiding genius of this excellent establish- 
ment at No. 1031 Washington Street, where, since 1874, many poor work- 
ing-women have been fed, clothed, and s^heltered until they were able to 
obtain an honest livelihood. From May 30, 1877, to May 30, 1878, 1,334 
women and girls applied for employment; and in the same period of time 
1,047 applicants for the services of women made known their wants. The 
charity is sujDported by voluntary contributions, and has done good practical 
work, providing temporarily for unemployed work-women who would, without 
aid, frequently suffer from hunger or illness ; and there is no doubt that 
many poor girls have been saved from a life of shame by its ministrations. 

The Children's Friend Society provides for the support of indigent 
children, who are either fully surrendered to it, or received as boarders. 
Those surrendered are indentured at 12 years of age, and remain under 
guardianship until 18. The society's home, at No. 48 Rutland Street, pro- 
vides for 70 children. The society has been in operation since 1833, and ori- 
ginated in the personal labors of a Mrs. Burns, a lady of moderate 

means, resident at the North End, who received into her own house a num- 
ber of poor children, and cared for them. 

The Boston Female Asylum, at No. 750 Washington Street, was founded 
in 1800. Its name is somewhat misleading, for it is simply a home for female 



i 



A'liVG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 203 

orphans and lialf-orphans. Full surrender of the children is required on 
their admission, and they remain until iS years of age. Between 70 and 80 
children are provided for in the asylum. 

The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 
with office at 96 Tremont Street, was organized in 1868, and has investigated 
18,389 cases, and convicted 1,564 persons. The Society has issued more 
than a million copies of its monthly paper, " Our Dumb Animals," and about 
250,000 of its other publications. It has also offered prizes to Massachusetts 
school-children for the best compositions on '■ Kindness to Animals," and has 
given rewards for essays, inventions, and improvements for the benefit of 
dumb creatures. A prize of $500 was offered the person who before July 
1878 should do the most to lessen the suffering caused animals in transporta- 
tion by rail. It has at present three prosecuting officers in Boston, con- 
stantly employed, and about 450 prosecuting agents in the other cities and 
towns of the State. The amount paid into this society since its organization 
is about 5150,000. The president is George T. Angell, and the secretary is 
Abraham Firth. 

The Co-operative Society of Visitors among the Poor, organized in 
1874, and incorporated in 1877. consists of a body of visitors who make 
weekly personal visits among the poor. No visitor takes more than four 
cases, in hope of finding work, or what may be called legitimate relief, for 
that number of persons. The societj- has also established work-rooms in 
the Charity Building, where poor women who really want work can get it. 
The president is Mrs. James Lodge, and the secretary is ]\Irs. B. S. Calef. 

The Industrial Aid Society was incorporated in the year 1835, under the 
name of the Boston Society for the Prevention of Pauperism, to which, in 
1866, was prefixed " The Industrial Aid Society." This society was founded 
upon the idea that employment was the best form of charity, and that there 
was but little oi^portunity for deception under this rule. Its principles of 
action have been adopted by other organizations, and by the city in some 
measure. It finds employment for people, transfers laborers to other places, 
and returns many to their homes. Its office is in the Charity Building, 
Chardon Street. 

The Ladies' Relief Agency is another of the organizations in the 
Charity Building, and distributes money and clothing to persons found, by 
personal investigation, to be worthy of support. The president is Mrs. 
H. G. Shaw, and the secretary Miss C. Harmon. 

The Boston Police Relief Association, organized in 1871, and incor- 
porated in 1876, has its ofiice in the Charity Building. Jan. i, 1S78, it had 
432 members. In 1877 it paid $3,284 to 136 members for "sick benefits," 
$2,500 to families on the death of five members, and $500 to five members 
on the death of their wives. The president is Henry O. Goodwin. 



204 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

The Boston North-End Mission, organized in 1865 by J. H. Crowell, 
the present missionary, and incorporated in 1870, is situated at No. 201 
North Street : and its operations are chiefly among women and children in 
the worst part of the city. It has a reading-room, a nursery for the care of 
children, operates industrial schools for girls and adults, and on Sundays and 
almost every evening has religious services in its chapel. Besides the mis- 
sion at the North End, it maintains an industrial home at Mount Hope, six 
miles from the city. Its funds are derived chiefly from small contributions 
and subscriptions. 

The Associated Charities of Boston is now in process of organization. 
The objects of the society are : i. To provide that the case of every ap- 
plicant for relief shall be thoroughly investigated. 2. To place the results 
of such investigation at the disposal of the Overseers of the Poor, of 
charitable societies and agencies, and of private persons of benevolence. 
3. To obtain help for every deserving applicant, as far as possible, from the 
public authorities, from the proper charitable societies, or from benevolent 
individuals ; or, failing in this, to furnish such help from funds intrusted to 
it. 4. To procure the harmonious co-operation with the public authorities, 
with each other, and with this society, of churches and charitable agencies 
and individuals. 5. To exert all its influence for the prevention of begging, 
the diminution of pauperism, and the encouragement of habits of thrift and 
self-dependence among the poor. 

The religious associations of all denominations take care of a portion oi 
their own poor; and there are many social, literary, and other organizations, 
that aid at times their unfortunate members : nevertheless, without referring 
to those, this chapter could be continued much further by the enumeration of 
many other institutions similar to those above mentioned. But surely enough 
has been said to show that the hearts of the Boston people are large, and 
that the fallen and unsuccessful are taken care of, as far as it seems possible, 
in a manner fully consistent with the high culture and broad humanity of the 
citizens. Not only the afflicted within the boundaries of the city are aided, 
but to every appeal that comes from any part of the world there goes forth 
a substantial response from the Boston people. The enumeration of the aid 
sent to other places would require more space than can be given here. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 205 



Efte Pulse of tl}r Cttu* 

THE SAKITARY CONDITION OF BOSTON, — HOSPITALS, DIS- 
PENSARIES, AND ASYLUMS. 

THE sanitary condition of Boston will bear favorable comparison with 
that of other cities. The annual death-rate, 20.36 in 1,000 in 1S7S, is 
slightly larger than that of London, but considerably smaller than the 
average in the other European cities. It also compares favorably with 
American cities, although those of St. Louis and some other Western cities 
show a lower rate. The statistics of Western cities are, however, more 
likely to err in accuracy ; and, besides, the mortality is always less in young 
and vigorous communities, though their sanitary conditions may be far more 
unfavorable. The sanitary affairs of Boston are under the control of its 
Board of Health established in 1872, under the pressure of a peremptory 
popular demand caused by the presence of a terrible small-pox scourge in 
the city. The Board has, in many respects, arbitrary powers in regard to 
the public health, and can take almost any measure that may be deemed 
expedient, in a case of emergency. The principal drawback to a satisfactory 
sanitary condition is the defective drainage of the city; but this will be over- 
come by the great system of sewers, now constructing, and referred to in the 
chapter on " The Arteries of the City." The streets are kept remarkably 
clean, being regularly swept nine months of the year. The principal streets, 
about 184^ miles, are swept daily, and others twice a week. 

The hospitals and dispensaries of Boston are many ; but their work 
is done so quietly and so unostentatiously that few, even of those long 
resident in the city, are aware of their magnitude, or comprehend the extent, 
variety, and thoroughness of their operations. At their head stands — 

The Massachusetts General Hospital, a noble institution, one of the 
most complete and perfectly organized of its kind in the country. It is 
also the oldest, save one, — the Pennsylvania Hospital. It was incorporated 
in 181 1, and opened for the reception of patients in 1821. It was conceived 
by a number of the public-spirited and generous citizens of that day : and 
its plan was drawn on a most liberal and extensive scale, showing them to 
be broad-minded and far-sighted men. A bequest of S5.000 at the close of 
the last century, in 1799, ^^'^■'' ^^'^^ practical beginning of the enterprise: but 
it was not until 181 1 that the work was undertaken systematically and vigor- 
ously. In that year 56 gentlemen were incorporated under the name of The 



206 



K/A'G'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



Massachusetts General Hospital ; and the charter granted a fee-simple in 
the estate of the old Province House, on condition that 5; 100,000 be raised by 
subscription within ten years, which was promjjtly met. The Massachusetts 
Hospital Life-Insurance Company was required by its charter, in 1818, to 
pay one-third of its net protits to the hospital. So also were the New- 
England Mutual Life-Insurance Company, incorporated in 1835; and the 
State Mutual Life-Assurance Company at Worcester, in 1844. Several other 
gifts were made it by private citizens, and the funds accumulated with grati- 
fying rapidity. Among the most generous bequests were those of John 
McLean, — one of $100,000, and another of $50,000 ; this latter to be divided 
between the hospital and Harvard University. Yox him is named the 




The Massachusetts General Hospital, Blossom Street. 



McLean Asylum for the Insane, in Somerville, which is a branch of the 
Massachusetts General Hospital, established by its trustees in 1816. His 
name was also given to the street at the foot of which the hospital stands. 
Prominent among the fovmders of the hospital was John Lowell, one of the 
esteemed Lowell family, several of whose members have done so much for 
Boston, and Iiave been so prominent among its citizens. His father was 
Judge Lowell, a member of the convention which framed the State Consti- 
tution, and who caused to be inserted in the " Bill of Rights " the clause 
declaring that "all men are born free and equal." For one of his brothers 
the city of Lowell was named ; and another was the Rev. Charles Lowell of 
the West Church, father of James Russell Lowell, the poet of to-day, now 
minister to Spain. John Lowell acquired fame in his day as a political 



jK/ng's handbook of boston. 207 

writer, and during the war of 1812 wrote trenchant articles under the nom 
de plume of " The Boston Rebel," which were especially notable for the 
vigorous and bold fashion in which they attacked the national administra- 
tion. Besides being active in the movement to establish the Massachusetts 
General Hospital, John Lowell was also a founder of the Athenaeum, and 
the Hospital Life-Insurance Company. 

The hospital stands at the west end of McLean Street, on what was 
formerly Prince's pasture. /The main building, first built, is of Chelmsford 
granite, hammered out and fitted for use by the convicts of the State 
Prison. When completed, it was pronounced the finest building in New 
England./ Charles Bulfinch was the architect. In 1846 it was enlarged by 
the addition of two extensive wings. Other additions and improvements 
have from time to time been made; the most recent in 1S73-75, when four 
new pavilion wards were constructed, called respectively the Jackson, War- 
ren, Bigelow, and Townsend wards, in recognition of the valuable services 
of Drs. James Jackson, J. C. Warren, Jacob Bigelow, and S. D. Townsend. 
The hospital admits, under light conditions, patients suffering from disease 
or injuries, from any part of the United States or British Provinces; and 
provision is made for free treatment, or treatment at the cost to the patient 
of the expense involved. No infectious diseases are admitted, and chronic 
or incurable cases are generally refused. On proper call the hospital ambu- 
lance, with medical officer, is despatched at any hour to points within the 
city proper, north of Dover and Berkeley Streets ; and the hospital is always 
ready for any emergency, however sudden or extensive the demand on its 
resources may be. The hospital, ever since its establishment, has been 
steadily and greatly aided by gifts and bequests. The donations and lega- 
cies of the last year (1877) alone amounted to $275,726. The whole number 
of patients treated in the hospital in 1877 was 1,657, of whom 1,515 were 
adults, and \ \,z children. The whole number of out-patients applying for 
treatment, during the same period, was 18.004. From 1821 to the close of 
1877 the number of patients in the hospital has been 48,690; of these, 
15,620 were discharged well, 12.506 much relieved, or relieved in part, and 
4,311 died. The whole number of out-patients treated during the same 
period was 177,548. About 80 per cent of the number treated in the 
hospital during 1877 were occupants of free beds. The total free-bed sub- 
scrii)tions for the year were 15,450; and the free-bed fund, the income of 
which must be devoted to free beds, amounted to $406,660. Of tlie free 
patients during the year, 22 per cent were female domestics, 25 per cent 
laborers, 10 per cent mechanics, and ()(^ per cent minors. The expense of 
the hospital department in 1877 was $83,790; and the receipts from paying 
patients $10,833. A training-school for nurses is also attached to this hos- 
pital. James H. Whittemore is the resident physician. 



2o8 J^/NG'S HANDBOOK' OF BOSTON. 

The Boston City Hospital was established in 1864, after many years of 
agitation, which l3egan in 1849, before the cholera, then epidemic in Boston, 
had disappeared. The necessary authority was given the city by the Legis- 
lature in 1858; two years later the land vi'as appropriated; in 1861 the work 
of building was begun; and May 24 1864, the buildings were dedicated, 
and a month later were formally opened for patients. iThe buildings front 
on Harrison Avenue,yand occupy the square, containing nearly seven acres, 
/bounded by the Harnson Avenue, Concord, Albany, and Springfield Streets, 
•/The hospital buildings present a beautiful and unique appearance. When 
substantially completed and occupied in 1864, the hospital consisted of a 
central or administration building, two three-story medical and surgical 
pavilions, and the necessary auxiliary buildings, including boiler-house and 
laundry. iTo these were added, in 1865, a two-story building for isolating 
wards ; a small building, at the main entrance to the grounds, containing 
rooms for out-patients ; and an addition for dead-house, morgue, and autopsy- 
room, iln 1874 a medical building, a surgical building, each three stories 
high w/th basements, two one-story surgical and medical pavilions, and a low 
building for kitchen, bakery, and other purposes, were erected. The total 
cost of the buildings alone was $610,000. The hospital has at present 375 
beds ; and, when the plan is fully carried out, it will have 525 beds, j 

Residents of the city suffering from sickness, unable to pay for treat- 
ment, are treated gratuitously. Persons accidentally injured are received at 
all hours, and the ambulances are ready for service on call. Out-patients 
are also treated by physicians and surgeons connected with the hospital. 
Once a week operations are performed in the amphitheatre of the hospital 
before physicians and surgeons. A training-school for nurses is also con- 
nected with the hospital. Since the opening of the City Hospital, 49,184 
persons have been e.xamined for admission, and 35,631 of them were admit- 
ted: 7,209 persons accidentally injured, and 103,341 out-patients, have been 
treated. During the past year there were treated 4,334 persons in the hos- 
pital, and 9,658 out-patients, who made 30,135 visits, "^he chief individual 
benefactor of the hospital was Elisha Goodnow, who gave property valued 
at $21,000. The resident superintendent is Dr. Edward Cowles. 

The Massachusetts Homoeopathic Hospital was incorporated in 1855, 
but was not established and opened for patients till 1871. The first five 
years it occupied a house in Burroughs Place. Its friends having raised, by 
means of a grand fair, the sum of $76,000, land was purchased of the city, 
and the present beautiful structure was erected pn East Concord Street. 
This building was opened to patients in May, 1876; and in thorough ventila- 
tion, delightful temperature summer and winter, bright and sunny wards and 
private rooms, together with all necessary conveniences and comforts, it has 
proved one of the most satisfactory hospitals ever built. It has roceived 



KTA'G'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 209 

and provided for upwards of 1,000 patients, with a mortality of less than 
two per cent. The patients are provided with the best food and care : and 
yet its affairs have been managed with such economy that the cost has Ijeen 
much less than in similar hospitals. Severe and often hopeless cases have 
resorted here for treatment with great benefit. 

The Carney Hospital, founded by the gift of $13,500 from Andrew Car- 
ney, was incorporated in 1865, and occupies a sightly position on Old Harbor 
Street, South Boston. Its situation, in the judgment of experienced phy- 
sicians, is the very best in New England. Standing on Dorchester Heights, 
near the intrenchments erected by Washington, it commands an extensive 
view over the city on one side, and Massachusetts Bay on the other. In 
summer the hospital is cooled by the sea-breezes ; and the convalescents 
enjoy a beautiful prospect from their beds, watching meanwhile the vessels 
passing in and out of the harbor. The hospital was established to afford 
relief to the sick poor; and, though it is in charge of the Sisters of Charity, 
it receives 2:)atients of all religious denominations. Chronic, acute, and other 
cases are received, contagious diseases alone excepted. Pay-patients are 
also treated in the wards or in private rooms. The sister who is at the head 
of the institution is a very quiet, but most active, energetic, and skilful 
manager. The present commodious brick building was erected in i868. 
The yearly expenditure of the hospital amounts to about $25,000; and the 
income from paying patients about $8,000. Within a year, there have been 
fitted up, in one of the wings of the hospital, very spacious and convenient 
accommodations for the treatment of out-patients suffering from diseases of 
the eye. The rapid growth of this clinic has shown that it supplies a want 
long felt in that section of the city. 

The New-England Hospital for Women and Children, incor]Mirated in 
1863, is located on Codman Avenue, Roxburv district. Its land and build- 
ings cost $100,000. Its objects are "to provide for women medical aid of 
competent physicians of their own sex, to assist educated women in the 
practical study of medicine, and to train nurses for the care of the sick." 
The institution is an outgrowth of a clinical department of the Female 
Medical College of Boston, at the immediate suggestion of Dr. Marie E. 
Zakrzewska. The hospital has a number of free beds, but most patients 
pay for treatment. It has medical, surgical, and maternity wards : and a 
dispensary situated at 33 Warrington Street, in the city proper. More than 
200 patients are annually treated in the liospital, and from 3,000 to 4.000 in 
the dispensary. 

The Free Hospital for Women, at 60 East Springfield Street, estab- 
lished in 1S75, foi' poor and worthy women Avho suffer from diseases 
peculiar to their sex, is supported by contributions from individuals and 
religious societies. Any individual or society supporting a bed has the 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



''^^^fesasft^ 



right to fill it with any suffering and needy woman, provided the medical 
staff pronounce her case a proper one for treatment here. The hospital 
contains 15 beds. 

St. Luke's Home, established in October, 1870, and incorporated Janu- 
ary, 1872, provides gratuitous medical treatment to women who are con- 
valescent from disease. Connected with the Home is a Sanitarium, at 
Quisset, in the town of Falmouth, where patients have the advantage of 
country air during the summer months. The Home, which is situated on 
Roxbury Street, Highland district, can accommodate 40 patients, and the 
Sanitarium 35. 

St. Joseph's Home for Sick and Destitute Servant- Girls, Nos. 41, 43, 
and 45, East Brookline Street, is in charge of the Sisters of St. Francis. 
It was established in 1862, and incorporated in 1867. It includes a hospital 
for the treatment of curable and incurable diseases. It has 90 beds, of 
which 24 are in the hospital department. 

St. Elizabeth's Hospital, 78 Waltham Street, is in charge of the Sisters 
of St. Francis. It was established in 1867, and incorporated in 1872, for the 
medical and surgical treatment of diseases peculiar to women. Most of the 
patients are free ; and the sick poor of any denomination are admitted. 

The Children's Hospital, at 1583 
Washington Street, was incorporated 
in 1869. Children between two and 
twelve, suffering from acute diseases, 
are received and treated, if poor, gra- 
tuitously : but, if their parents or guar- 
dians are able to pay, a moderate charge 
is made. The hospital has 30 beds. 
The nursing is under the direction of 
ladies connected with the Protestant 
Episcopal Sisterhood of St. Margaret's, 
from East Grinstead, England. A con- 
valescent Home, as a branch of the 
hospital, was established at Wellesley, 
14 miles from the city, in 1875. Among 
the founders of the hospital were Chan- 
dler Robbins, George H. Kuhn, N. H. 
Emmons, Dr. Francis H. Brown, and 
Albert Fearing. 

The House of the Good Samaritan, at 6 McLean Street, incorporated in 
i860, is for the free treatment of sick women and girls, and of boys under 
six. especiallv those suffering from diseases of long duration. It is sup- 
ported by voluntary contributions and the income from its funds. The 



I 




Child- 



1583 Washington Street. 



J^IA^G'S HA XD BOO A' OF BOSTON. 



annual expenses range from $10,000 to $12,000. It is iinsectarian, but Epis- 
copal services are regularly held. The largest bequest it has received was 
from the late James H. Foster, who left by will $47,500. Among the corpo- 
rators was Miss Anne S. Robbins, who has given, from the start, her whole 
time to the hospital, residing in it, and superintending its details with the 
aid of a matron. The other corporators were Mrs. George C. Shattuck, 
Mrs. G. Rowland Shaw, Mrs. Charles H. Appleton, Mrs. N. Thayer, Horace 
Gray, and Henry P. Sturgis. 

The Children's Sea-Shore Home, at Winthrop, is one of the most 
practical of works; and, since its establishment in 1875, it has accom- 
plished an unexpected and most gratifying amount of good. Its object 
is to give to poor children suffering from disease, and those recovering, 
the great advantage of the sea-breezes. A competent physician resides at 
the house ; and the nurses are most attentive, having a special interest in 
their work, most of them volunteering their services. 

The Consumptives' Home, a hospital for incurables, is at Grove Hall, 
Roxbury district, 
and was incorpo- 
rated in 1870, six 
years after it was 
founded by Dr. 
Charles Cullis, wlio 
is still the manager. 
It relies wholly on 
voluntary contribu- 
tions. From this 
source over $300,- 
000 have been re- 
ceived since its 
establishment, and 
nearly 1,700 pa- 
tients cared for. 
The Home will ac- 
commodate 80 pa- 
tients. The prem- 
ises contain, be- 
sides the Home proper, two children's homes, a free chapel, and a home 
for those afflicted with spinal complaints. 

St. Mary's Infant Asylum, and Lying-in Hospital, on Bowdoin Street, 
Dorchester, is managed by the Sisters of Charity, by whom the institution 
was founded in 1870, for "the maintenance and support of foundlings, and 
oqDhan and half-orphan children." It also accommodates indigent deserving 




Consumptives Home, Grove Hall. 



212 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

women during confinement. As in the Carney Hospital, no distinctiun is 
made on account of religion; and no patient is refused on account of her 
inability to pay the moderate rate asked. 

The Channing Home, at 30 McLean Street, is a most worthy institution, 
a home for incurables, established in May, 1857, by Miss Harriet Ryan, who 
afterwards became Mrs. Albee. It was incorporated in 1861. The class of 
patients generally admitted are those who need constant medical assistance 
and tender care; and no pay is taken from any. Since it was established, 21 
years ago, the Home has received 493 patients. It has now 14 inmates. 
The president is Dr. Samuel A. Green ; and the treasurer, Theo. Metcalf. 

The Boston Lying-in Hospital was organized in 1S32, for the relief of 
poor and deserving women during confinement. In its present quarters, at 
Nos. 24 and 26 McLean Street, it has accommodations for 36 patients. 
Free cases are taken. Patients taken in prior to confinement are charged 
$3.50 a week for board, and are expected to perform any light duty required 
of them. The lowest pi^ice for confinement is $20, which also pays for two 
weeks next succeeding confinement ; and, as a rule, no case is kept longer 
than two weeks after confinement. 

The Hospital of the Public Institutions is located on Deer Island, and 
has a branch at Rainsford Island. Patients are received from the city 
almshouse, the House of Industry, and the House of Reformation for 
Juvenile Offenders. 

The Boston Lunatic Hospital, on First Street, South Boston, is a city 
institution, under the management of the Board of Directors for Public 
Institutions. The main building was built in 1839; ''.nd the two wings were 
added in 1S46. With the yards and gardens, the buildings occupy five 
acres. The hospital has a capacity for 200 patients. Its use is now re- 
stricted to those who have a settlement, so termed, in the city. The poor 
are admitted without charge. Patients are committed to the hospital by the 
judge of probate for Suffolk County, or are admitted by the president of 
the board of directors. The buildings lack many conveniences found in 
more recently constructed lunatic hospitals : and the city has so far out- 
grown its provision, that not one-half of the Boston insane people can be 
accommodated here. 

Diet Kitchens, established in different parts of the city, furnish prompt 
and temporary relief for the sick poor. Plain, nourishing food is here pre- 
pared, and given out daily, at all hours, on the orders of the dispensary and 
other physicians. 

The Boston Dispensary, founded in 1796 and incorporated in 1801, is the 
oldest institution of the kind in the city, and the third in the country. The 
central ofiice is situated at Bennet and Ash Streets, near the centre of pop- 
ulation of the city proper, over which its operations are extended. Physi- 



R'/NG'S I/AND BOO A' OF BOSTO.V. 



cians are in attendance daily, at stated hours, who treat men, women, and 
children, perform surgical operations, and dispense medicines. Much 
practical work is also done outside the central office. The city proper is 
divided into nine districts, and to each is assigned a physician, whose duty 
it is to care for those unable to leave their homes. The dispensary is sup- 
ported by funds heretofore contributed, and by private charity. An idea 
of the ex- ^^ 

tent of its 
work can 
be formed, 
when it is 
stated that 
since July, 
1856, over 
500,000 pa- 
tients have 
been treat- 
ed at tlie 
central of- 
fice and in 
the d i s- 
tricts. A- 
bout 30,000 "" 

patients 

are treated yearly. The staff of ])hysicians and surgeons at the central 
office give their services gratuitously; and those serving in the districts 
at a very small compensation. In the Charlestown and Roxbury districts, 
there are also free dispensaries. That in the Charlestown district was or- 
ganized in 1872, and incorporated the next year. It is located at No. 21 
Harvard Square. Its founders were Richard Frothingham, Edward Law- 
rence, T. R. Lambert, John T. Whiting, and Charles E. Grinnell. The 
Roxbury dispensary was founded in 1841, but has since been merged in 
the Roxbury Charitable Society, founded in 1794, and its duties discharged 
by tlie latter society, whose office is at the corner of Dudley and Bartlett 
Streets, Roxbury district. 

The Homoeopathic Medical Dispensary in 1856, its first year of incor- 
poration, treated 195 patients. Its work has steadily augmented year by 
year, and in 1878 it furnished upwards of 30,000 prescriptions to 13,000 
patients. The central office, at 14 Burroughs Place, is open daily from 10 to 
12. The college branch occupies the basement of the building of the Boston 
University School of Medicine in East Concord Street, and is divided into 
the following departments : medical, surgical, dental, eye and ear, women's. 




Boston Dispensary, Bennet and Ash Streets. 



214 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



children's, chest, throat, and skin. There are connected with this branch 24 
physicians. With the aid of the college faculty, clinical instruction in the 
various departments is furnished to the medical students. The West-End 
branch, in the Charity Building, Chardon Street, is open daily from 10 to 
12, and, in addition to the general department, has also one under the care 
of women physicians, for the diseases of their sex. The whole dispensary is 
supported mainly by a fund raised by a fair held in 1859 in the Music Hall, 
which netted $13,000, the income of which has provided treatment for 50,000 
sick persons. The large number who now flock to it will render additional 
funds necessary. 

The Dispensary for Diseases of Women, at 18 Staniford Street, was 
organized in 1873, and is made available for the purjDoses of clinical instruc- 
tion. It is in charge of Dr. James R. Chadwick. 

The Dispensary for Diseases of Children, at the same place and for the 
same purposes, is in charge of IJr. Charles P. Putnam. 

The Massachusetts Charitable Eye and Ear Infirmary was originated in 
1824 by Drs. Edward Reynolds and John Jeffries, and was incorporated in 




Massachusetts Charitable Eye and Ear Infirmary. 



1826. During the first year, there were treated at the Infirmary 698 pa- 
tients ; and the number has steadily increased, compelling the institution to 



A'/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 215 

be removed from place to place, until 1S50, when the present building, on 
Charles near Cambridge Street, was erected. The building is of brick, and 
has two wings. The main building measures 67 by 44 feet. In the base- 
ment are kitchens, wash-rooms, laundry, etc. ; in the first story are receiv- 
ing and reading rooms ; in the wings are the male wards, with operating, 
apothecary, and bath rooms; in the second story are accommodations for 
the matron and the female wards. The building is surrounded by a yard, 
and is shut out from the street by a high wall. The work is rapidly out- 
growing the accommodations. In 1877 no less than 8,673 patients were 
treated. The annual increase for the past few years has been about 800. 
The name of the institution has been a hinderance to its growth, leading the 
community to believe it to be a State charity, and thereby averting dona- 
tions tliat would probably come to it. and which are really needed to carry 
on its great work. Patients from all parts of this continent are treated at 
this Infirmary, which is one of the most important, but at the same time 
one of the most poorly-supported, charities in the State. Dr. George Sted- 
man is the superintendent. 

The Washingtonian Home was organized in 1S57, and incorporated in 
March, 1839, for the cure of men addicted to intemperance. Its present 
location is in building No. 41 Waltham Street ; and its income is entirely 
derived from board and treatment of the inmates. Since the beginning it 
has received over 6,000 inmates, many of whom have been free patients. 
For a time the State aided it. Dr. Albert Day is the superintendent. 

The Adams Nervine Asylum was incorporated in 1877, but has not yet 
been established. It is the project of the late Seth Adams, a wealthy 
Boston sugar-refiner, resident in Newton, who bequeathed for its establish- 
ment property valued at the magnificent sum of $600,000. It is to be a 
curative institution, for the benefit of indigent, debilitated, nervous people, 
inhabitants of the State, who are not insane. Its site will probably be in 
the \Vest-Ro.\bury district ; the corporation having purchased the estate 
of the late J. Gardner Weld, on Centre Street, adjoining the property of 
the Bussey Institution. The incorporators were John N. Barbour, James 
C. Davis, Aquila Adams, Emory Washburn, Alpheus Hard}', Samuel 
Eliot, Charles H. Dalton, James B. Thayer, William Claflin, John E. Tyler, 
Amor L. Hollingsworth, James Longlev, Samuel A. Green, Robert Willard, 
Caleb William Loring, Samuel D. Warren, Rufus Ellis, Joseph Burnett, 
Solomon B. Stebbins, Charles F. Choate. 

The Massachusetts Medical Society was formed in 1781. It includes 
17 distinct societies, which together have a membershi]) of over 1.400 physi- 
cians practising in Massachusetts. The by-laws provide that a member 
must possess the following among other qualifications : — 



2l6 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

" That he is not less than twenty-one years of age ; that he is of sound 
mind and good moral character ; that he has a good general English educa- 
tion ; that he has a knowledge of the principles of experimental philosophy ; 
that he has such an acc|uaintance with the Latin language as is necessary 
for a good medical and surgical education ; that he has studied medicine 
and surgery three full years under the direction, and attended the practice, 
of some reputable, regularly educated physician or physicians ; that he has 
attended two terms of study, or two full courses of lectures in separate 
years, at an authorized medical school, recognized by the councillors of said 
society, and possesses a diploma or its equivalent from such school that he 
does not profess to cure diseases by, nor intend to practise, spiritualism, 
homoeopathy, allopathy, Thomsonianism, eclecticism, or any other irregu- 
lar or exclusive system, generally recognized as such by the profession or 
declared so by the councillors of said society ; and by a further examina- 
tion, a part of which shall be in writing, that he has an adequate knowledge 
of anatomy, pathological anatomy, physiology, general and medical chemis- 
try, materia medica, therapeutics, midwifery, the theory and practice of 
medicine, clinical medicine, surgery, clinical surgery, hygiene, and public 
hygiene." 

The Old Morgue, North Grove Street, has been in operation for over 
20 years. It is a primitive affair, and a movement was begun in the fall of 
1873 for a larger and more modern building. The morgue proper is a 
small room, with a single stone in its centre for the exhibition of bodies 
for recognition. Adjoining it is an autopsy-room. Keys are placed at the 
police-stations of the North and West Ends, and at the offices of the har- 
bor-police and the city undertaker. It is in charge of the board of health. 

The New Morgue is connected with the City Hospital, and is of a 
modern style, and fitted-up somewhat like the Paris morgue. Four bodies 
cau be exposed for recognition at a time. 

The Medical Examiner is an office that was substituted for that of 
coroner, which was abolished in 1877 by act of the legislature. In the 
place of forty or fifty commissioned officers, some of whom were of ques- 
tionable integrity, and not properly qualified, the work of making special 
investigations of the causes of sudden or mysterious deaths, when such are 
deemed necessary, is performed by two men, physicians in good standing, 
called medical examiners. These are commissioned by the governor, serve 
for seven years, and receive $3,000 a year as salary. The present medical 
examiners for Suffolk County are Francis A. Harris and Frank W. Draper. 
Whenever they deem a formal inquest necessary in any case, it is brought 
before the local courts. By this change a large saving is made to the 
county treasuries, there is less liability of abuse, and a more satisfactory result 
is obtained. 



A'/AG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



217 



The Boston Medical Association, organized in 1806, holds its meetings 
annually, on the first Monday in May. Its objects are to regulate the 
charges of physicians, and to aid in promoting the interests of the medical 
profession. Its secretary is Dr. Charles P. Putnam. 

The Boylston Medical Society of Harvard University was founded in 
181 r, and incorporated in 1823, for the purpose of promoting emulation and 
inc|uiry among the students at the Medical School. The president is always 
a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Ward Nicholas Boylston, 
the founder of this society, left it a fund from which prizes are given to 
those members of the society whose medical dissertations are most ap- 
proved. The president is Dr. E. G. Cutler, and tlie secretary is F. H. 
Lombard. 

The Boston Society for Medical Improvement was organized in 1828, 
and incorporated in 1839, for the cultivation of confidence and good feeling 
between members of the profession, the eliciting and imparting of informa- 
tion upon the different branches of medical science, and the establishment 
of a museum and library of pathological anatomy. The secretary is Dr. 
E. G. Cutler. 

The Boston Society for Medical Observation was organized in 1846, to 
make its members good observers of disease, to collect and arrange accu- 
rately recorded facts in furtherance of the cause of medical science, and to 
publish from time to time the results of the examination of such facts. 
The original society in 1835 was composed chiefly of students, and was 
founded on a plan of a Paris association. Dr. A. M. Sumner is the secre- 
tary. 

The Massachusetts Homoeopathic Medical Society was organized in 
1840, and incorporated in 1856, and is the oldest society of this school in 
the country. It has 151 active members; holds its annual meeting on the 
second Wednesday of April, and its semi-annual meeting in October. Its 
meetings are earnest and interesting, and are attended by many physicians 
who are not of the homoeopathic faith. It has published this year a 
volume of nearly 1,000 pages. Its officers are: D. B. Whittier, M.D., of 
Fitchburg, president; N. R. Morse, M.D., of Salem, secretary; H. C. 
Clapp, M.D., of Boston, treasurer. 

The Boston Homoeopathic Medical Society holds its meetings in the 
Medical College, East Concord .Street, on the second Thursday of each 
month. It has 70 members. M. P. Wheeler, M.D., is secretary. 

The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy was incorporated in 1852. Its 
main objects are to regulate the instruction of apprentices, to diffuse infor- 
mation among the members of the profession, and to discountenance' the 
sale of spurious, adulterated, and inferior articles. Applicants for admission 
to its membership must have been actively engaged in the wholesale or retail 



2l8 A'lA'G'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

drug business. There is a School of Pharmacy, under the control of the 
college, before which lectures are delivered during the winter season ; and 
the degree of graduates in pharmacy is conferred upon students who go 
through the whole course, and satisfactorily pass the examination. The 
college, for its lecture-room and laboratory, occupies the third story of the 
Old Franklin Schoolhouse, 1151 Washington Street; the rooms being 
granted free of rent by the city of Boston. There are about 65 members 
of the college, and 88 students attending the school. The laboratory is one 
of the largest and most thoroughly ec|uipped in the city. There is also a 
complete collection of crude and rare drugs and of the finest specimens of 
chemicals. The library contains about 500 bound volumes and 1,500 pam- 
phlets of works on pharmacy, and comprises a very valuable collection of 
its kind. In connection with the library of the president, close at hand, and 
at the service of the college, it forms the second largest pharmaceutical 
library in the United States. The president is Samuel A. D. Sheppard, and 
the secretary is Daniel G. Wilkins. 

The Boston Druggists' Association has a membership of about 75, in- 
cluding persons engaged in the wholesale or retail drug-trade, paint and 
oil firms, medicine houses, and co-ordinate branches of the trade, in Boston 
and vicinity. Its object is the furtherance of the interests of those lines 
of business, and to afford the men engaged in them an opportunity of meet- 
ing with one another on social terms " around the festive mahogany." The 
monthly dinners are held at the Parker House. The society was organized 
in 1875; and its officers are : president, Dr. T. L. Jenks ; secretary, WiUiam 
F. Horton. 

Our limited space forbids the further sketching of the several medical 
societies of Boston. Among those not heretofore mentioned are the Ob- 
stetrical Society, organized in 1S60; Boston Society of Medical Sciences, 
1869; South-Boston Medical Club, 1873: Association of Life-insurance 
Examiners, 1873; Boston Microscopical Society, 1874; Roxbury Society 
for Medical Improvement, 1867; Dorchester Medical Club, 1866; Walker 
Society for Medical Improvement, 1872. 



J 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 219 



Efie iSones of tfje Cttg. 

THE OLD BURIAL PLACES AND TOMBS, AND THE NEW 
CEMETERIES. 

THE cemeteries in the city proper are ancient burial-places, which are 
not used nowadays, the city having forbidden by ordinance all burials 
in graves in the city proper, interment in tomljs only being allowed; but 
they are maintained and respected for the hallowed dust they contain, and 
for their historic associations. Now and then utilitarians agitate their 
removal for some public " improvement ; " but the influence of the conserva- 
tive Bostonian, jealous of his city's good name and reputation, is promptly 
brought to bear, and thus the dead are respected, and the ancient grave- 
yards, the most interesting of the old landmarks, are saved from the hand 
of desecration. 

The King's Chapel Burying-Ground is believed to be the oldest in the 
city, thougli the exact date of its establishment is not known. Situated in a 
busy part of the town, and crowded into narrow compass, under the shadow 
of the quaint old church, it is a most interesting spot, as it contains the 
remains of Gov. John Winthrop, his son and grandson who were governors 
of Connecticut ; Gov. Shirley ; Lady Andros, the wife of Gov. Andros; John 
Cotton ; John Davenport, the founder of New Haven, Conn. ; John Oxen- 
bridge ; Thomas Bridge ; and other well-known personages of the olden 
time. Burials ceased here, as a rule, in 1796. Unfortunately the grave- 
stones were moved from their original places some years ago by a city offi- 
cer possessed of the mania for " improvement," and placed in rows, so that 
it is now impossible to tell the location of any given grave. At one time 
during the last century a great deal of excitement was occasioned by a 
rumor that some one had been buried alive in this burial-ground; but the 
affair terminated peacefully when the doctors who had attended the deceased 
testified in the matter. 

The Old Granary Burying-Ground, between the Park-street Church and 
the Tremont House, dates from 1660, and contains the graves of many 
famous men, including eight governors of the early day, — Bellingliam, 
Dummer, Hancock, Adams, Bowdoin, Sullivan, Eustis, and Sumner ; the 
Wendells, Lydes, Checkleys, and Byfields; Peter Faneuil, Dr. John Jeffries, 
Uriah Cotting, Judge Samuel Sewall, John Hull, Paul Revere ; Thomas 
Gushing:, at one time a member of the council which was the executive of 



220 



A'/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



Massachusetts, and at another heutenant-governor; the Rev. Drs. Eckley, 
Belknap, StiUman, Lathrop, and Baldwin ; the parents of Benjamin Frank- 
h'n ; and the victims of the Boston Massacre. The territory was once a 
part of the Common ; and the old town granary, which formerly stood 
where the Park-street Church now stands, gave to the cemetery its name. 

It is jDrotected by 
a substantial iron 
fence, with an im- 
posing gateway in 
its centre ; and on 
the sidewalk in 
front of it stood, 
until a few years 
ago, a row of no- 
ble trees, known 
as the Paddock 
elms, which were 
imported from 
England, and set 
out in 1762 by 
Capt. Adino Pad- 
dock, a wealthy 
carriage - builder, 
and a leading loy- 
alist during the 
revolutionary 

Gat way to the Granary Burying-Ground, Tremont Street struo'trle who left 

the city with the British when it was evacuated in 1 776. These trees were 
removed, to the great grief and indignation of many old citizens, to meet 
a demand of the street-railways. Inside the enclosure, however, are many 
fine trees ; and, though they do not shade the busy throngs which hurry 
by, they contribute much to the picturesque appearance of the old burying- 
ground with its winding narrow paths, and its old graves and sombre tombs. 

The Central Burying-Ground, originally called the South Burying- 
Ground, is the only other cemetery in this section of the city. It is a small 
one on the Common, near Boylston Street. It was established in 1756. The 
British soldiers who died of disease during the occupation of the city, and 
those who died of wounds received at Bunker Hill, were buried here. The 
grave of M. Julien the restaurateur, whose name has been given to a kind of 
soup which he made, is also here. 

The Copp's-Hill Burying-Ground, three acres in dimensions, at the 
North End, near the old Christ Church, was the second burial-place estab- 




A'/NG'S HANDBOOK' OF BOSTON'. 




The Mather Tomb, Copp's Hill. 



lished in Boston, and was first used for interments in 1660. It was originally 

called the North Burying-Place. The oldest gravestone bears the date of 

1625. There are many quaint epitaphs, some of wliich are illegible from 

age. Among the illustrious dead who were 

buried in this ground are Edmund Hartt, 

builder of the frigate " Constitution," the 

Rev. Drs. Increase, Cotton, and Samuel 

Mather, Andrew and John Eliot. A willow 

standing in the north-east corner of the 

grounds was brought from Napoleon's grave 

at St. Helena. In the Revolutionary times 

the Britisli soldiers occupied Copp's Hill as 

a military station: it is told that they found 

sport in firing bullets at the gravestones, the marks of which can still be 

seen on some of them. When the hill was cut down, the burying-ground 

was left untouched, and its embankment is now protected by a high stone 

wall. It is an attractive spot, in a part of the cit)', which, once quite 

aristocratic, now possesses little attraction. From its high grounds a fine 

and extensive view can be had. 

The Old Charlestown Burial-Ground, on Phipps Street, Charlestown, 
is spoken of in the records for the first time in 1648. The earliest grave- 
stone is that of Maud, the wife of William Russell, bearing the date of 
1642. The tombstones in this graveyard are about the only antiquities in 
Charlestown, almost every building in the place having been burned by the 
British at the battle of Bunker Hill. Thomas Beecher, one of the original 
settlers, ancestor of the famous Beecher family, and John Harvard, the 
founder of Harvard College, are buried here. 

Forest-Hills Cemetery is a beautiful burial-ground in the West-Roxbury 
district, about 5 miles from the centre of the city. It includes over 100 acres, 
and is finely laid out, on high ground. Miles of winding avenues and foot- 
paths lead over hills and through little valleys and glades. To the excep- 
tional natural beauties of the place are added the artistic effects produced 
by landscape-gardening. In the summer a profusion of flowers and shrubs 
is seen on every hand. There are pretty little lakes, handsome rural groves, 
and on the heights one catches glimpses of beautiful distant scenery. The 
main entrance is from Scarborough Street, through an ornamental stone 
gateway, on the outer face of which is the inscription, " I am the Resur- 
rection and the Life." On the inner face are the words, " He that keepelh 
thee will not slumber." There are other entrances on the south and east, 
from Canterbury and Walk-Hill Streets. From the main entrance, three 
carriage-drives diverge towards different parts of the grounds. In the 
northern portion of the cemetery are Consecration Hill, on which is a rustic 



2 22 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

observatory 25 feet high, and Chapel Hill. Four eminences farther south 
are named Eliot Hills, after the Indian apostle, John Eliot, to whom a monu- 
ment will be erected here. On Warren Hill is the tomb of Gen. Joseph 
Warren, the lamented hero of Bunker Hill. On Dearborn Hill is a monu- 
ment to Gen. H. A. S. Dearborn, who originally laid out the grounds. On 
Fountain Hill is a pretty spring, and the ofifice of the commissioners. Other 
heights are known as Cypress, Clover, Juniper, and Strawberry' Hills. In 
Lake Dell is a picturesque sheet of water, overshadowed by Snowflake Cliff, 
named after the flowers that grow at its foot. " Lake Hibiscus " is the 
largest pond. Near Lake Dell is a fine receiving-tomb of granite. Among 
the most interesting monuments is a block of rough granite from the Kear- 
sarge Mountain, which marks the resting-place of Admiral Winslow. 
There is also a fine bronze statue in the soldiers' lot, erected by the city of 
Roxbury, in memory of her citizen soldiers who fell in the war, and which 
is noticed in another place. This cemetery was established by the city of 
Roxbury before its annexation to Boston, and was consecrated in 1848. 

Mount-Hope Cemetery is near Forest Hills, in the West-Roxbury dis- 
trict, and now belongs to the city. It is managed by a board of commis- 
sioners. The grounds include io6i acres picturesquely laid out, with 
several ponds and many fine trees and shrubs. The main entrance is 
through a massive gateway of granite and iron. The city of Boston has 
erected a soldiers' monument here ; and Charles Russell Lowell Post 7 of 
the Grand Army of the Republic has a military memorial composed of 
heavy cannon given by the National Government. It is a simple but taste- 
ful monument. On a triangular stone base stand three cannon, forming the 
outline of a pyramid, their mouths meeting at a common point, and sup- 
porting a fourth ; and beneath is a pyramid of cannon-balls. 

St. Augustine Cemetery situated in South Boston, and established in 
1818, is the oldest Catholic burying-ground, in Boston. It has a small 
chapel, which is now little used. Here is buried the Rev. Francis Antony 
Matignon, a French priest, one of the earliest Catholic clergymen in Bos- 
ton. His funeral, on the 21st of September, 1818, was a notable event. The 
body was escorted through the streets by a number of acolytes, bearing 
lighted candles, and was temporarily placed in the Granary Burj-ing-Ground : 
it was removed to South Boston in the following spring. Here is also 
buried Dr. Thomas J. O'Flaherty, who died in 1839, and was somewhat 
famous for a great theological controversy with Dr. Lyman Beecher. There 
is also a Catholic burj'ing-ground in Charlestown, close to the Church of 
St. Francis de Sales, on the summit of Bunker Hill ; and another in the 
Roxbury district, adjoining St. Joseph's Church, on Circuit Street, near For- 
est Hills. There are also two large cemeteries, — one in Dorchester, and 
'the other, Calvary, adjoining Mount-Hope Cemetery, — belonging to the 



224 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

Boston Catholic Cemetery Association, which was first incorporated in 
1857 as the Catholic Cemetery Association in Dorchester, its name having 
been changed to the present in 1877. The Dorchester Cemetery is now 
full, containing 25,000 persons buried within its limits. In Calvary, 18,000 
persons are buried. The association has recently bought the Home Farm 
in the West-Roxbury district, close to the Brookline and Newton lines : this 
is to be laid out in an artistic style by a professional landscape-gardener, 
and dedicated in the spring of 1879 ^'^ *he Mount-Benedict Cemetery. 
The office of the association is at No. 2,382 Washington Street, Roxbury 
district. 

There is a small Israelitish cemetery in East Boston, at the corner of 
Byron and Homer Streets. It was established by the society of Ohabei 
Shalom, and is but 100 feet square. A peculiar appearance is given to 
the place by all the tombstones bearing Hebrew inscriptions, though some 
of them are also partly in English. 

Among other cemeteries is the ancient, almost forgotten, and quite neg- 
lected, Roxbury burying-ground, at the corner of Washington and Eustis 
Streets, nearly opposite the Hotel Comfort. The famous Indian apostle, 
John Eliot, is buried fiere, as well as many other men prominent in the by- 
gone days of Roxbury. There was formerly a Friends' burying-ground on 
Congress Street ; but it was discontinued in the early part of this century, 
and the bodies removed to Lynn. It is not generally known that under 
King's Chapel, Christ Church, and St. Paul's Church, there are yet tombs. 
Those which had long been under Park-street Church were discontinued, 
and the bodies removed to Mount Auburn, in 1862 ; and the society of St. 
Paul's Church petitioned in the fall of 1878 for leave to discontinue further 
interment in its tombs. In South Boston there were tombs under St. 
Matthew's Church, which were discontinued in 1S67. ' The principal place 
of burial for the northerly sections of the city, including East Boston and 
Charlestown, is Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. 

Mount Auburn, the famous cemetery in Cambridge and Watertown, is 
outside of the city limits, but directly associated with Boston. This is the 
oldest garden cemetery in the United States, and was established in 1S31, 
by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, in connection witli an experi- 
mental garden. The idea of the cemetery originated with Dr. Jacob Bige- 
low, who was corresponding secretary of the Horticultural Society, and who 
had for many years realized the evils arising from burials under churches, or 
within crowded cities or towns. In 1835 when a charter was granted to " The 
Proprietors of the Cemetery of Mount Auburn," the Horticultural So- 
ciety, upon condition of receiving one-fourth of all sales, transferred the 
title to that corporation. The cemetery comprises about 135 acres. Its 
principal elevation, surmounted by a tower, is 125 feet above the level of 
the Charles River, which winds at its foot. Many of the most eminent 
dead of New England are buried here. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 225 



^}}C Social Sitic of t!}e ^itg, 

THE PLAYHOUSES, PUBLIC HALLS, CLUBS, SECRET AND 
OTHER SOCIETIES. 

THERE was a time when Boston, in respect to the drama, was the first 
city in America. Although that distinction cannot be claimed now, 
there is still ground for pride in the high position occupied by the play-houses 
of the city ; and it is safe to say that in no other city in the United States do 
real merit and worth in stage-matters meet with more generous approbation 
or reward. Of the drama in its infancy here, Shaw's " Description of Bos- 
ton " (181 7) gives the following interesting sketch: "1794, — the first regu- 
lar theatre was established in Federal Street, under the management of 
Charles Stuart Powell. In consequence of a misunderstanding between 
him and the proprietor, Col. Tyler was aj^pointed to the management ; but, 
not succeeding, he relinquished, and was succeeded by John Brown Wil- 
liamson. In tlie mean time the friends of Mr. C. S. Powell raised a sum 
sufficient to build of wood the Haymarket Theatre, one of the most spacious 
and convenient theatres ever erected in America." This house was opened 
in 1796. Mr. Williamson having failed, in 1797, as manager of the Federal- 
street Theatre, it was taken by Barrett &: Harper. During the season this 
theatre was burned. It was rebuilt, and opened in 1798 under the manage- 
ment of Mr. Hodgkin, who in 1799 failed, and removed his company to the 
Haymarket. G. L. Barrett then succeeded him, and failed before the year 
was out. In i.Soo Mr. Whitlock sunk $4,000 there. In 1801 Powell & 
Harper took the theatre. The latter retired the next year ; and Mr. Powell 
ran the concern till 1806, when he took in some partners. Powell & Duff 
were joint managers in 181 7. "The first building erected purposely for 
theatrical entertainments in Boston was opened the 3d of February, 1794, 
with the tragedy of ' Gustavus ^^asa Erickson, the Deliverer of Sweden.' 
The selection of the play was judicious, as it suited the temper of the 
times." Of the present theatres, and most conspicuous public halls, brief 
sketches will be given. 

The Boston Theatre is at the present time the largest theatre in New 
England ; and, indeed, there are but few larger anywhere. It has a brilliant 
record, and is conducted with liberal enterprise by Tompkins & Hill, the 
proprietors. The theatre, wliicli was built by a corporation, was opened to 
the public in the autumn of 1854, and quickly took a leading position among 



2 26 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

the places of amusement of New England. Thomas Barry was the first 
manager. The exterior of the building is hidden from view by the structures 
about it, and the wide front entrance is all that can be seen from Washington 
Street. There is another entrance on Mason Street. Inside, the spacious 
lobbies, the grand staircase, the richly-furnished salons, and the immense 
auditorium form a very imposing ensemble. In comfort and elegance com- 
bined, the interior of the Boston equals, if it does not surpass, the most 
famous opera-houses of the European continent; such, at least, is the testi- 
mony of those whose experience makes them competent judges. The stage 
is very large, and all the appointments are on a liberal scale, in keeping with 
the size of the house. Besides the parquette, which is about 90 feet in diam- 
eter, there are three large balconies, known respectively as the dress-circle, 
the family-circle, and the gallery. The ornamentation of the walls, balconies, 
and ceilings, is elaborate and tasteful. The grand promenade saloon is 46 
by 26 feet in dimensions, and 26 feet high. There is an excellent stock com- 
pany, including Louis James as leading man, and Mrs. Thomas Barry as 
leading lady. The members of this company are called upon to support the 
various star performers whose engagements recur pretty regularly each sea- 
son. All the most famous actors of the day have played repeatedly at the 
Boston, and are likely to do so for many years to come. The grand opera 
also finds an appropriate home on this stage ; and many brilliant engage- 
ments have been played here by renowned native and foreign prime donne, 
whose names alone are sufiicient to fill every seat in the house. In 1879 
" Andre Fortier," and afterward " H. M. S. Pinafore," by Boston favorites, 
were magnificently presented. The theatre seats 2,972 people, and the prices 
of admission range from $1.50 down to 30 cents. The general admission is 
50 cents. The treasurer is John M. Ward, the musical director N. Lothian, 
and the business-agent H. A. M'Glenen. 

The Globe Theatre is a short distance above the Boston, on the opposite 
side of Washington Street, and has entrances on that thoroughfare, Essex 
Street, and Hayward Place. The present building was erected and opened 
its doors in 1874. Selwyn's Theatre, which originally occupied the ground, 
was built in 1867, the name being subsequently changed to the Globe Thea- 
tre ; and was burned in 1873. John H. Selwyn, Charles Fechter, and W. R. 
Floyd were successively managers of the theatre. The late Arthur Cheney, 
who died November, 1878, was the sole proprietor, on the retirement of 
Dexter H. Follett, who was first associated with him. Seats to the number 
of 150 were held by gentlemen who paid $1,000 each for a seat, and to this 
extent were stockholders. In 1877 the theatre was considerably changed as 
to its interior arrangements, and all possible- precautions were taken to 
avoi.d danger from fire. John Stetson was the lessee in 1877-78 and in 
1878-79. A circus performance was given on this stage in the spring of 1878, 



KING'S HANDBOOK- OF BOSTON 227 

and caused not a little comment ; an injunction to restrain the lessee from 
giving such a performance being unsuccessfully applied for by Mr. Cheney. 
The Globe is a very handsome and showy theatre, and has one of the best 
stages in the country. The auditorium is 60 feet in height. There are two 
large balconies, and a row of mezzanine boxes. A curtain of maroon Amer- 
ican silk is used. The scenery is usually very fine ; and no theatre in the 
world is better adapted for the presentation of comedies. The season of 
1875-76 is remembered with pleasure by those who were fortunate enough to 
witness the admirable little stock-company then playing here. The Globe has 
seats for about 2,200. Part of the season of 1878-79 the theatre was closed. 

The Boston Museum is an ancient and honorable theatre, much liked by 
play-goers on account of the past glories and present successes of its 
stage. It is a comely four-story building of stone, on Tremont Street, with 
entrances on that street and on Court Square. The front is ornamented 
with rows of gas-jets, which, when lighted at night, give it a festive air. 
The museum proper is of little interest, and is seldom visited, the entire 
attention of the management being devoted to the theatre. The large hall 
in which the curiosities are to be seen in glass cases is used as a sort of 
lobby. The building covers 20,000 square feet of land. The original Boston 
Museum, opened in 1841, was at the corner of Tremont and Bromfield 
Streets. The present structure was built in 1846. Moses Kimball is the 
proprietor, and R. M. Field the manager. The interior of the theatre is 
cosey and comfortable. There is no attempt at elaborate ornamentation. 
The theatre has but one balcony, and no bo.xes. It seats 1,275 people, and 
the prices range from $1 to 35 cents. 

The Park Theatre is an elegant and cosey theatre, built within the walls of 
what was Beethoven Hall, on Washington Street, near Boylston Street. The 
auditorium is 60 feet wide, 63 feet from the stage to the doors, and 50 feet 
high. On the lower floor are the orchestra stalls (the centre sections of the 
floor), parquet (the seats on the right and left of principal aisles), and the or- 
chestra circle (the seats outside the iron columns supporting the dress circle). 
The first balcony is the dress circle. The second balcony contains the family 
circle and gallery. The house seats 1,184. The manager is H. E. Abbey. 

The Gaiety Theatre on Washington Street, next to the Boston Theatre, 
was opened to the public on the evening of Oct. 15, 1878, under the man- 
agement of J. Wentworth, formerly of the Theatre Comique. It was for- 
merly the Melodeon Hall. It is an attractive and comfortable little 
theatre, and by reason of its small size is admirably adapted for comedy ; 
the performers being easily seen and heard from every part of the house. 
It will seat about 800 persons, — 500 on the floor, and 300 in the balcony, — 
and has standing-room for an additional 200. The auditorium lias a bright, 
cheerful appearance, and the decoration is tasteful. The walls and ceiling 



2 28 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

are panelled in pink, with buff, gold, and purple borders : and the balcony 
fronts are in bronze, gray, and pink. The auditorium is lighted by a sun- 
burner in the ceiling. The stage is 60 feet wide and 30 deep, and the pro- 
scenium-opening has a width of 32, a height of 38, and a clear opening of 
28 feet. The prices range from $1 to 35 cents. 

The Howard Athenaeum is on Howard Street, near Court Street. It was 
built and opened in 1846, on the site of the old Miller Tabernacle. Fbr 
several years the management presented the legitimate drama. Of late years 
it has been a novelty theatre, and has been very successful in that field. 
B. F. Tryon, the lessee this season (187S-79), has elevated the standard of 
performances ; and stars and combinations are playing in a good class of 
pieces. Some improvements have been made in the interior arrangements 
of the house. The Howard, as it is commonly called, seats 1,500 people; 
and the prices range from $\ to 35 cents. Isaac B. Rich is proprietor. 

The Boylston Museum is a small variety theatre on Washington Street, 
near Boylston. It is managed by J. McFadden, and seats 930 people. 



The Boston Music Hall ranks among the finest and largest public halls 

in the world. It was built in 1852 
by an association of friends of 
music, the impulse having been 
given at one of the annual dinners 
of the Harvard Musical Associa- 
tion. The hall has no external 
architectural features worthy of 
mention, it being almost entirely 
surrounded by other buildings. 
Glimpses of its plain brick walls 
are caught through Hamilton Place, 
fiom Tremont Street, and through 
^'^^:^^*fj Central Court from Winter Street. 
' I^LiJ There are two entrances, — one on 
Central Court, and the other on 
Tremont Street, opposite the Park- 
street Church. The effect of the 
interior is grand and imposing, and 
the acoustic properties are remark- 
ably fine. The hall is 130 feet long, 
..u ^ X ^ «, • L, „ 78 feet wide, and 65 feet high. 

The Great Organ, Music Hall. ' ■ ' , , 

Two balconies run around three 
sides of the hall, the total seating capacity of which is 2,585. The hall is 
lighted by a line of hundreds of gas-jets along the cornice. The great 




KIA'G'S HAND BOO A' OF BOSTON. 



229 



organ is one of the largest and finest in existence. It was built by Walcker, 
in Ludwigsburg, near Stuttgart, Ciermany. It contains 5,474 pipes, 690 of 
which are in the pedal organ ; and it also has 84 complete registers. Its 
case, designed by Hammatt Billings, is a fine example of artistic wood- 
carving. The organ was contracted for in 1856, and was first heard by the 
public in a grand concert given Nov. 2, 1863. Its cost was $60,000. In 
front of the organ stands a bronze statue of Beethoven, said to be the finest 
portrait-statue in America. In a niche in the opposite wall is a copy of the 
Belvedere Apollo ; and on the same wall are three fine busts of composers, 
which with their beautiful brackets were the gift of Charlotte Cushman. 
Hundreds of the most distinguished musicians and orators have appeared in 
Music Hall. Beneath the large hall is a smaller one, called Bumstead Hall. 
It is arranged like an amphitheatre, and is principally used for the rehearsals 
of the Handel and Haydn Society. 

Tremont Temple is one of the largest halls in Boston. It occupies the 
site of the old Tre- 
mont Theatre on Tre- 
mont Street, between 
School Street and 
Montgomery Place. 
The main hall, 124 feet 
long, 72 feet wide, and 
50 feet high, has deep 
galleries, and is capa- 
ble of seating about 
2,000 people. Be- 
neath it is a smaller 
hall, called the Meio- 
naon, with seats for 
nearly 800 people, used 
mostly for religious 
and temperance meet- 
ings. It was in the 
large hall that Charles 
Dickens gave his read- 
ings on his last visit 
to America. The 

Temple had its origin 
in the desire to pro- 

• j 1 r Tremont Temple, Tremont Street. 

Vide a place of wor- 
ship where the seats should be free to all. The building cost over 
$230,000. An association called the Evangelical Baptist Benevolent and 




230 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



Missionary Society was formed to promote the ends for which the enter- 
prise was undertaken, and also to engage in a general work of charity and 
benevolence. The greater portion of the building, including the halls, is 
now used for these purposes. The large hall is occupied on Sundays by 
the Union Temple Church. Trembnt Temple is known as the headquarters 
of the New-England Baptists ; and their principal associations, such as the 
Baptist Missionary Union, the New-England departments of the Home Mis- 
sion Society and of the Baptist Publication Society, have their offices in the 
building. The Baptist Social Union, composed of representatives from all 
Baptist churches in the city and vicinity, holds its monthly meetings in the 
building. " The Watchman," which under its new and able management is 
the recognized organ of New-England Baptists, has its editorial and official 
rooms in the Temple. Solomon Parsons, the secretary of the Evangelical 
Baptist Benevolent and Missionary Society, which owns the building, has 
his office within its walls. The sum paid by the society for the building in 
1858 was over $165,000. 

Horticultural Hall, the home of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, 
is a handsome structure of white granite, on Tremont Street, between Brom- 
field Street and Montgomery Place. The society, incorporated in 1829, is 

the oldest horticultural 
society in the country, 
excepting that of Penn- 
sylvania. Since its 
foundation it has held 
horticultural exhi- 
bitions every Saturday 
through the growing 
season, besides an an- 
nual exhibition in Sep- 
tember, and special 
shows of roses, straw- 
berries, etc., in their 
seasons. On these oc- 
casions the choicest 
fruits, flowers, plants, 
and vegetables, of the 
newest and finest va- 
rieties, are shown, and 
have done much toward 
cultivating a knowledge of and taste for horticulture and the best means of 
improving its productions. Liberal premiums have been offered, and the 
society may fairly claim to have done more for the advancement of horticul- 




Horlicultural Hall, Tremont .Street. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 231 

ture than any other in the country. To this society also the community is 
indebted for the establishment of Mount- Auburn Cemetery. In 1844 the 
society built a hall on School Street, believed to be the first permanent 
building ever erected by any horticultural society. This was removed in 
i86o, and the present building was dedicated in 1865. The front is of a 
dignified and monumental character, and is embellished with elegant works 
of art, comprising costly statues of Ceres, Flora, and Pomona. The ground- 
floor is occupied by stores ; the second story by the Library Room of the 
society and a hall for the weekly exhibitions ; and the upper story by a 
large and elegant hall used in addition to the lower hall at the annual and 
other important exhibitions. Both of these halls are often used for con- 
certs and the better class of entertainments. The society's library, com- 
prising over 3,000 volumes, is the most valuable collection of horticultural 
works in the United States. The halls are adorned with portraits and busts 
of the presidents, founders, and benefactors of the society. 

Union Hall, in the building of the Young Men's Christian Union on 
Boylston Street, is a favorite hall for concerts and private theatricals, its 
stage being fitted up for the special accommodation of the latter. It has a 
seating capacity of 522, is beautifully decorated, and comfortably furnished. 

The Association Hall is on the third floor of the Young Men's Christian 
Association building, on the corner of Tremont and Eliot Streets. It is 
provided with piano and organ, and is used for concerts, lectures, and other 
entertainments. Its seating capacity is about 700. 

The Parker Memorial Hall, at the corner of Berkeley and Appleton 
Streets, is the place of worship of the Twenty-Eighth Congregational 
Society, and was built to commemorate the renowned preacher, Theodore 
Parker. It has a seating capacity of 850. The first floor is devoted to the 
rooms of the Parker Fraternity, the well-known social organization con- 
nected with the society. 

The Paine Memorial Building is on Appleton Street, between Tremont 
and Berkeley Streets. It was built in commemoration of Thomas Paine. 
The famous San Francisco millionnaire, James Lick, gave $18,000 towards 
the building-fund. The hall has seats for 800 persons. 

Investigator Hall, in the Paine Memorial Building, has seating capacity 
of about 600. 

The Mechanics' Hall in the building of the Massachusetts Charitable 
Mechanics' Association, corner of Bedford and Chauncy Streets, is pleasantly 
and conveniently arranged. It was formerly much used for chamber con- 
certs, but is now principally devoted to the purposes of the association. 

Wesleyan Hall, in the Methodist building on Bromfield Street, is much 
used for lectures and other occasions where the audiences are not large. It 
is now used for the rehearsals of the Boylston Club. Its seating capacity 
is about 300. 



232 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

The Hawthorne Rooms, named in honor of Nathaniel Hawthorne, in 
Dr. J. C. Warren's new building on Park Street, are elegant and tasteful. 
They are specially devoted to morning lectures, given between 12 and i, 
after a style which has for some time prevailed in London, and which has 
lately become quite popular in Boston. They are also used for evening 
entertainments of a high character, are reached by an elevator, as well as 
by a broad staircase, and have a seating capacity of about 250. 

The Turnhalle, in the building of the Turnverein, on Middlesex Street, 
is the central gathering-point of the German population. A description of 
it will be found in another part of this chapter. 

Faneuil Hall, on P'aneuil-Hall Square and Merchants' Row, is illustrated 
and described in the chapter on " Markets and Exchanges." 

Other Halls. — Other well-known halls in the city are Papanti's, 23 Tre- 
mont Street, where many famous dinners in the past have taken place, and 
which is now mostly used for dancing ; Nassau Hall, corner Washington and 
Nassau Streets, much used by believers in "isms;" Hospitaller Hall, 751 
Washington Street, which, with Codman Hall, 176 Tremont Street, is 
frequented largely by labor-reformers and secret organizations ; John A. 
Andrew Hall, in what was formerly the Essex-street Church, at the corner of 
Chauncy and Essex Streets, used mostly for political and trades meetings ; 
Concord Hall, on Concord Street, at the South End, used mostly for dan- 
cing ; and Pilgrim Hall, in the Congregational Building, corner of Beacon 
and Somerset Streets, used for religious and social gatherings by the Con- 
gregationalists and others. In the outlying districts, the Roxbury district has 
Kennedy Hall, on Warren Street, built by Donald Kennedy of Roxbury ; 
a finely fitted hall, with a seating capacity of 950, used principally for lec- 
tures, amateur theatricals, balls, and lyceum entertainments. In the same 
district there is Institute Hall, at 113 Dudley Street, used chiefly for balls 
and public meetings; Bacon's Hall, 2185 Washington Street; Highland 
Hall, 191 Warren Street. In the Dorchester district is the old Town Hall. 
In Jamaica Plain, West-Roxbury district, is Curtis Hall, a beautiful build- 
ing, formerly the Town Hall. On annexation the Boston city council gave 
it its present name in honor of one of the most public-spirited citizens of 
the district. It is used for public gatheri-ngs and social festivities. In the 
Charlestown district the principal hall is Monument Hall, on Main Street, 
near the Neck. There are also the City Hall, City Square ; Congress Hall, 
Main Street; Evening Star Hall, Main Street; Freemason's Hall, Thomp- 
son Square; Harvard Hall, Bow Street; Ivanhoe Hall, Main Street; Odd 
Fellow's Hall, Main Street ; Waverley Hall, Waverley Block ; Winthrop 
Hall, Main Street. East Boston has Lyceum Hall, on Maverick Square ; 
Webster Hall, Webster Street ; and Sumner Hall, near Meridian Street, 
with seats for 800 persons. South Boston has Wait's Hall. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



233 



The Clubs, and there are many of them, constitute one of the most 
characteristic features of Boston. Some are unique and pecuHar in their 
management and purposes. In these clubs are drawn together the various 
little groups of people who in a great city are congenial to one another, either 
from holding relative positions in wealth and station, or from having similar 
desires m mental, social, and physical culture. 

The Temple Club, established in 1829, is the oldest. Its building, at 
No. 37 West Street, is the only one designed exjDressly for club uses, and 
presents a modest front, while the interior is admirably arranged for the 
special purpose for which it was designed. The club is a small one ; and 
its reputation for good-fellowship is of long standing. The admission-fee is 
$100, and the annual assessments are not allowed to exceed that amount. 

The Somerset Club is the most fashionable and exclusive. It was or- 
ganized in 1S52, and was an outgrowth of the Tremont Club. It first occu- 
pied the substantial 
granite mansion-house 
on the corner of Bea- 
con and Somerset 
Streets, now known as 
" The Congregational 
House : " and in 1872 
it moved to the mag- 
nificent granite-front 
residence on Beacon 
Street, opposite the 
Common, built by the 
late David Sears, from 
whom it was bought. 
The interior of the 
house is elegant, and 
at the same time has 
an exceedingly com- 
fortable look. A nota- 
ble feature is a ladies' 
restaurant, for guests 
of the members, which 
is also open to non- 
members accompany- 
ing ladies on club- 
order. There is also a charming ladies' supper-room, overlooking the 
Common. The membership was originally limited to 250; but it is now 
fixed at 600. Applications for membership are determined wholly by a 




Somerset Club House, Beacon Street. 



234 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



committee on elections. The admission-fee and annual assessment-fee are 
$ioo each. On the site of the present Somerset Club house was the home 
of Copley, the famous painter. 

The Union Club was established near the close of the Rebellion, as a 
semi-political club, in support of the Union cause ; but it has since lost its 
political character, and has become a social club of the highest respectabili- 
ty. The bench and bar are well represented in it. Its first president was 
Edward Everett; and among his successors have been such men as Charles 
G. Loring, Richard H. Dana, jun., Henry Lee, and Lemuel Shaw, son of the 
great chief justice. Its membership is limited to 600. Applicants for ad- 
mission must first be reported on favorably by the committee, and then 
voted on by the club ; one black ball in five is sufficient to exclude. The 
entrance-fee is $100, and the annual assessment $50. A feature of the 
club is its excellent table-cThdie dinners. The club-house is conveniently 
and pleasantly situated on Park Street, opposite the Common, and was for- 
merly the residence of Abbott Lawrence. 

The Central Club is of recent origin, established in 1869 by prominent 
South-End residents. Its first meetings were in the St. James Hotel, and 
its first club-house was on Concord Street. The present building, first 
occupied in 1872, is a conspicuous brown-stone building on Washington 
Street, at the corner of Worcester Square. From its spacious cupola can 
be had a splendid view of the city proper and the Highlands. The build- 
ing is not large, but it is well arranged, and substantially furnished. The 
club has a large membership. It is social, not political ; but it happens that 
several of its most prominent members are leading Republicans. 

The Suffolk Club has rooms in a brick building at No. 4^ Beacon Street. 
One writer describes this club as " an association for the development of the 
pleasurable social affinities of seemingly incongruous kinds of character." 
To this club belong a number of prominent Democratic politicians. 

The Athenian Club is an outgrowth of the Boston Press Club. It was 
designed to be a purely professional club ; but in the course of time a 
large number of non-professionals were admitted. The journalistic, drama- 
tic, and musical elements, however, are still prominent in the direction of 
the club affairs, and give the tone to its management. The club-house until 
recently was on Tremont Place. It now occupies elegant quarters at 168 
Tremont Street, fronting the Common. The monthly dinners, and recep- 
tions to dramatic and other celebrities, are features of the club. Albert A. 
Folsom, superintendent of the Boston and Providence Railroad, is president. 

The New-England Woman's Club is one of the institutions of Boston. 
It was organized ten years ago by prominent ladies, and had its home at 
first in Tremont Place. It afterwards removed to more spacious quarters 
on Park Street, opposite the Common, a few doors from the Union Club. 



236 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

It is very select, and gives receptions, breakfasts, and "teas" to distin- 
guished guests ; and it has regular weekly meetings, at which essays are 
read and discussions indulged in. 

The Saturday-Morning Club is of recent organization, and consists of 
about sixty young ladies, who listen to lectures from literary and scientific 
celebrities, and meet for "mutual improvement," and perhaps "mutual 
admiration " as well. 

The Literary Clubs of Boston have no club-houses, but meet generally 
at some leading hotel around the festive mahogany. The Saturday Club, 
also known as the Literary Club, dines once a month at Parker's, and always 
on the last day of the week. It is famous for the literary and scientific 
celebrities who have from time to time belonged to it. The Papyrus Club 
meets monthly at dinner, at the Revere House. Its membership is two- 
thirds literary, and one-third miscellaneous. One black ball in five excludes 
a candidate for admittance. The Chestnut-street Club, formerly called the 
Radical Club, by which name it is best known, meets weekly at the resi- 
dence of its founder on Chestnut Street; and the essays and discussions by 
men and women of letters, and advanced thinkers, are regularly reported in 
the leading daily journals. 

The leading cluljs of actors are the Macaroni, the Ace of Clubs, and the 
Americus. The latter has rooms on Tremont Street, opposite the Museum. 
The two former meet once a month at the Parker House. The Wednesday- 
evening Century Club, and the Thursday Club, are associations of gentlemen 
representing, for the most part, professional life, who meet at the houses of 
one another. 

The Union Boat-Club, organized in 1851, is one of the oldest boating- 
organizations in the country. Its club-house is at the foot of Chestnut 
Street, on the Charles River, at the head of the famous boat-racing course. 
It is an attractive building, in the Swiss style, with gymnasium and rooms 
for the convenience of the members, who number 130. The club rowed 
in a race at Hull, in 1853, in which its boat was steered by the bow oar, 
instead of by a coxswain, the first time that it was done in this country. 
It introduced the first wherry-race on the Charles in 1854; and in 1857 its 
crew won the Beacon cup from the Harvards. The club, as an organization, 
has not been represented on the Charles of late years. 

The Boston Yacht-Club was organized in 1866, and chartered in 1S68. 
It was the first club formed in Boston for yachting purposes, except a small 
club that began in 1S34 and ended in 1837. It was also the first yacht-club 
chartered by the State. At present it comprises 250 members and 80 yachts, 
and owns considerable property at City Point, South Boston. The club- 
house, finely situated on the shore, is open to the winds, easterly and south- 
erly, that sweep over Boston Harbor and Dorchester Bay, and commands a 



A'nVG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



237 



pleasing view in all directions. The conveniences for boating jDurposes, and 
the charms as a place of resort for its members in summer months, give it 
exceptional attractions. The officers of the club are: commodore, F. H. 
Peabodv ; vice-commodore, Nathaniel Wales ; rear-commodore, Andrew 




Boston Yacht-club House, City Point. 

Robeson; secretary, Thomas Dean; treasurer, Augustus Russ. The two 
last named have filled the same offices since the organization of the club. 

The South -Boston Yacht-Club was organized in 1868, and incorporated 
in 1877. It has 139 members, and the yachts enrolled number 44. Its 
house, 30 by 45 feet, has a good wharf, is conveniently arranged, and admira- 
bly situated on the extreme point of South Boston. It was the first house 
erected in Massachusetts by a yacht-club. The officers are : commodore, 
M. J. Kiley: vice-commodore, L. .S. Pond; fleet-captain, J. G. Chambers; 
secretary, William Morris; treasurer, Thomas Christian. 

Other Yacht-Clubs include the East-Boston Club, 3. .S. Goodwin, com- 
modore ; Bunker-Hill Club, George H. Brown, commodore ; Dorchester 
Club, F. E. Peabody, commodore ; as well as a few composed of Boston 
men which have their houses outside the city limits. 

The Boston Base-Ball Association was incorporated in 1871, and sup- 
ports the "Boston Nine,"' or ''The Red-Stockings" as it is often called. 
Most of the stockholders are business-men who do not expect any returns 
from their investments, which were made merely to encourage the game. 
Since its organization the Nine has won six of the eight championship 
series. In all 472 games were played, of which 344 were won, 126 lost, and 
2 drawn. The Association has large and comfortable club-rooms at 786 



238 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



Washington Street, opposite Hollis Street. During the winter the members 
of the Nine exercise themselves at the gymnasium of the Young Men's 
Christian Union. From the beginning Harry Wright has been the captain, 
secretary, and manager. The president is Arthur H. Soden. 

The Union Athletic Club was organized in 1875 l^y ^ few members of 
the old Union Gymnasium on Washington Street. It has had three fall 
and three spring meetings, open to all amateurs. The liberal prizes offered 
by the club have at times brought to Boston some of the best amateur ath- 
letes. The club is negotiating for a piece of land, which it hopes to have 
ready for the coming season. It has heretofore used the Boston Base-Ball 
Club grounds. Its headquarters are in the Young Men's Christian Union 
building; and its officers are William M. Olin, president; H. M. Howard, 
secretary ; and P. F. Ferris, chairman of the executive committee. 

The Lacrosse Club is a part of the Union Athletic Club, and was 
formed in 1878. It won the cup offered by the city of Boston, to be com- 
__ peted for by the Ravenwoods of Brooklyn 

and this club. At the expense of this club, 
the Indian Team of Montreal played in 
Boston, and showed to great advantage the 
Lacrosse game, which is destined to become 
quite popular. 

The Boston Turnverein was organized 
in 1849, and incorporated in 1871. The so- 
ciety, comprising about 375 members, almost 
all Germans, owns the Turnhalle on Middle- 
sex Street. The building, which was erected 
in 1876, cost, with the land, $65,000. It 
contains a thoroughly-equipped gymnasium ; 
billiard-rooms ; bowling-alleys ; a hall having 
a seating-capacity of 500, and a stage for 
private theatricals, concerts, and other en- 
tertainments ; a reading-room, with library 
of 1,000 volumes; and restaurant, parlors, 
and reception-rooms. The Turnverein is 
partly a benevolent organization. Its dues 
are : for active members $9.00 a year, which 
entitles the member to a weekly payment of 
$5.00 in case of sickness ; and for passive 
members $6.00 a year. The society also 
issues a small weekly periodical, called the 
" Turner-Zeitung." The president is Charles Dellit ; the treasurer, Julius 
Meyer; the recording secretary, Henry Pelkus. 




Turnhalle, Middlesex Street. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



239 



Secret Societies are also numerous and strong in Boston. There are 
Masonic societies, the Knights Templars, the Odd Fellows, the Knights of 
Pythias, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Knights of Honor, the Inde- 
pendent Order of Good Templars, the Templars of Honor, the German 
Order of Harugari, the Sovereigns of Industry, the United American Me- 
chanics, the Independent Order of Foresters, the Order of Alfredians, and 
the Grand Army of the Republic. 

The Masonic Temple, in which are gathered the majority of the several 
Masonic organizations in the city, and which is the headquarters of the 
grand lodge, is an elegant and imposing granite building, on the corner of 
Tremont and Boylston Streets, with octagonal towers rising to the height 
of 120 feet, while the height of the building proper is 90 feet. The Tre- 
mont-street front is 85 feet wide. The entire building, with the exception of 
the street and basement floors, 
is occupied by the Masonic or- 
ganizations. It is seven sto- 
ries high. It has three large 
halls for meetings, furnished 
one in the Corinthian, one in 
the Egyptian, and the third 
in the Gothic styles. The 
corner-stone was laid on St. 
John's Day, June 22, 1867, 
with imposing ceremonies, 
and one of the largest of 
Masonic street-processions. 
President Johnson was pres- 
ent on the occasion, a con- 
spicuous figure in the parade. 
The Masons, before the build- 
ing of the present Temple, 
occupied as headquarters a 
building on the site of the 
present building, which, to- 
gether with the Winthrop 
House adjoining it, was destroyed by fire in 1864. At an earlier period 
the building now used as the United States Court House, on Tremont Street, 
corner of Temple Place, was the Masonic headquarters. 

The Odd Fellows' Hall is an elegant and imposing building completed in 
1872. Its situation is an admirable one, to show its architectural design to 
the best advantage, on the corner of Tremont and Berkeley .Streets, both of 
which are wide streets. It covers 12,000 square feet of land, and is con- 




Masonic Temp 



nt Stn 



240 



ICING'S HANDBOOK' OF BOSTON. 



structed of Concord and Hallowell white granite. It is four stories high. 
The street fioor and basement are occupied by stores. The largest halls 
are in the fourth story, one 54 by 94 feet, and 25 feet high in the clear ; and 
the other a banquet-hall, 26 by no feet; both these halls are provided with 
ample ante-rooms. Other halls in the spacious building are the encamp- 
ment-hall in the roof ; the lodge-halls, with ante-rooms and side-rooms, and 
the grand-lodge office and grand master's private room, all in the third 
story. The grand entrance is from Tremont Street. In the second story 
is the large hall, and also numerous offices from which rent is received ; 
so that, with what is received from renting the stores, offices, and hall, the 




Odd Fellows' Hall, Tremont Street. 

revenue from the building is good. This building was built by the Odd 
Fellows' Hall Association, which was incorporated in 1870. The money 
was raised at once, the site purchased, and in the summer of 1871 the 
corner-stone was laid, with the customary ceremony, and the event was duly 
celebrated. In the Charlestown district there is a commodious Odd Fellows' 
Hall at No. 25 Main Street; in the Highland district, at No. 2298 Washing- 
ton Street; and in the West-Roxbury district, on Green, corner of Boylston 
Street, Jamaica Plain. 

The Grand Army of the Republic is a secret semi-military organization, 
composed exclusively of honorably discharged soldiers and sailors who 
served in the army and navy during the civil war. It is organized into 
posts, State departments, and a national encampment ; and its objects are 
to perpetuate the fraternity and comradeship formed in the camp and on the 
battle-field, to care for the needy and destitute and the widows and orphans 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 241 

of those who fell, and to cultivate a spirit of unswerving loyalty to the 
national government. In the State there are 136 posts, which annually 
disburse over $34,000 in relief, the greater part to persons not belonging to 
the order. The headquarters of the Massachusetts department is at 53 
Tremont Street. Capt. John G. B. Adams is the department commander; 
James F. Meech, who succeeded Henry B. Pierce wlien the latter was 
elected secretary of State of Massachusetts, assistant-adjutant-general; 
Theodore L. Kelly of Post 15, assistant-inspector-general. Twelve posts 
are chartered in Boston, which bear the names of distinguished soldiers and 
patriots, and are styled in Grand Army circles, Charles Russell Lowell P(xst 
7, John A. Andrew Post 15, etc. 

The Militia of Massachusetts was wholly re-organized under the law of 
1878. Exclusive of the corps of cadets, which are unattached, it is divided 
into two brigades, both of which have their headquarters in Boston, — the 
first brigade, Brig.-Gen. Hobart Moore, at Boylston Hall ; and the second 
brigade, Brig.-Gen. Eben Sutton, at 5^ Beacon Street. The Boston organi- 
zations belonging to the first brigade are ; Cos. A, D, C, K, and L of the 
First Regiment of Infantry, Col. Nathaniel Wales, headquarters Boylston 
Hall ; Co. L, Sixth Regiment, armory 3 North Russell Street. The Boston 
organizations belonging to the second brigade are : Battery A, First Bat- 
talion Light Artillery, Capt. Nathan Appleton, headquarters corner of Harri- 
son Avenue and Wareham Street; the First Battalion of Cavalry, Major 
Dexter H. FoUett, headquarters 37 Tremont Street; Cos. A, D, and H, of 
the Fifth Regiment of Infantry, Col. Ezra J. Trull, headquarters 82 Main 
Street, Charlestown district; Cos. A, B, C, D, E, G, and H of the Ninth 
Regiment of Infantry, Col. Wm. M. Strachan, headquarters 61 Court Street. 
The whole militia of Massachusetts, under the new law, is limited to sixty 
companies of infantry, three of cavalry, three of light artillery, and two 
corps of cadets. The First Corps of Cadets, formerly called the Indepen- 
dent Corjis of Cadets, Lieut.-Col. Thomas F. Edmands, headquarters 94 
Tremont Street, was organized in 1741, and has always been the body-guard 
of his Excellency the Governor. The National Lancers (Co. A), a famous 
cavalry organization, now belongs to the First Battalion of Cavalry, which 
also includes the Roxbury Horse Guards (Co. D). 

The Boston School Regiment comprises the boys of the public Latin and 
high schools. A corps of cadets is connected with the Massachusetts In- 
stitute of Technology, military drill being obligatory upon the lowest class. 
The boys of the Chauncy-Hall School have an efficient military organization. 
The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company is the oldest military 
organization in the United States. It was formed in 1638 as " The Military 
Company of Boston." In 1657 it was recognized as an artillery company. 
The title "Ancient and Honorable" first occurs in the records, September, 



242 KING'S HANDBOOK OF IWSTON. 

1700. The " Honorable" was assumed from the circumstance that its cap- 
tains had belonged to the Honorable Artillery Company of London. The 
company dispersed during the Revolution, but v/as revived in 17S9. The 
"election sermon" has annually been preached before the company, since 
1639, with the exception of five years during Andros's government. For 
many years it has been the annual custom of the governor to personally 
commission the officers on the Common. The company no longer belongs 
to the militia, and is now more of a social than a military organization. The 
members still retain their ancient privilege of exemption from jury-duty, — ^a 
feature which induces many business men to become members of this com- 
pany. The headquarters of the company are in Faneuil'Hall. 

The Mercantile Library Association, for more .than fifty years a leading 
literary institution in Boston, has recently been re-organized on a new basis, 
and now offers many of the advantages of club-life, while retaining its liter- 
ary features. Its building is on the corner of Tremont and Newton Streets ; 
the South End Branch of the Public Library, to which its library has been 
transferred, being in the basement. The parlors are ornamented with por- 
traits and statuary, and supplied with the most desired newspapers and 
magazines. In the second story are rooms for conversation and social 
games, in which smoking is allowed. Literary and musical entertainments 
are given during the winter months. The terms of membership are $5 a 
year. The president is Jonathan A. Lane, the treasurer A. C. Fearing, jun. 

The Central Lunch Club is a modest association of about 125 gentlemen 
engaged in various pursuits, whose places of business are in the vicinity of 
State and Congress Streets. Here in a quiet place called Post-office Ave- 
nue, leading from Congress Street to the Merchants' Exchange, are the 
cosey and neat club-rooms where the members get their noonday meal. 
Non-members are admitted on invitation of members. The entrance-fee is 
^15, and the assessments never exceed $15 a month. The members com- 
prise an aristocratic party of leading professional and business men, many 
of whom are graduates from Harvard College. The president is N. P. 
Hanilen, and the secretary and treasurer is Francis Curtis. 

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is a secret benevolent 
organization. At first its membership was confined chiefly to actors, but 
it is now composed of persons from all professions. As the theatrical 
element is predominant, the lodges located in cities throughout the country 
secure an annual " benefit " at some local theatre. The Boston Lodge, 
No. ID, received about $3,100 from its benefit at the Boston Theatre in 
1879. The lodge was organized May 23, 187S, and its rooms are at No. 176 
Tremont Street. A co-operative plan of life-insurance is conducted by the 
order. 

There are other clubs and many societies for social, religious, educational, 
and divers purposes, some of which will be noticed in other chapters. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



243 



Ejje Insurance ©fficrs. 

LIFE, FIRE, MARINE, ACCIDENT, AND OTHER INSURANCE 
COMPANIES. 



TO the insurance companies Boston is greatly indebted, not only for the 
protection afforded her commercial interests and the aid rendered 
widows and orphans, but also for several of the finest edifices in this country. 
And probably no class of edifices attract more attention, or cause deeper 
interest to the thoughtful mind, than the various insurance ofifices, the archi- 
tectural beauty of which is simply the outward show of the grand success 
that has attended the institutions in carrying on their humane work on sound 
and healthy principles of insurance. The close margins on which business 
in general is now conducted do not allow the individual to hazard his person 
or his property to any possible loss without taking some additional protec- 
tion. And therefore we have insurance providing for loss caused not only 
by death, by fire, and by the perils of navigation, but also by sickness, by 
bodily injuries, by explosion of steam-boilers, by the breakage of plate-glass 
windows, by lightning, and by burglary. The various insurance companies 
having become quite numerous, the Commonwealth in 1855 assumed critical 
supervision over them, and created the insurance department, from whose 
23d annual report (for 1878) we find that 253 insurance companies were au- 
thorized to do business in Massachusetts, nearly all of them represented in 
Boston. The following interesting table is compiled from the reports of 
Stephen H. Rhodes, who was the insurance commissioner from 1874 to 1879. 



No. 


Classification. 


Gross Assets 1 Income 
Jan. I, 1878. 1 1877. 


Risks written Losses paid 
1877. , 1877. 


7 
54 

I 

6 

III 

26 

17 
2 

2 
I 
I 


Massachusetts Companies, — 
Mutual marine and fire-marine 
Mutual fire (3 having guaran- 
tee capital) 

Mutual boiler 

Joint-stock fire and marine . . 
Life 


$4.245>i59 

5,724,164 

2,445 

13,195,886 

30,353,318 

112,077,565 

357,269,068 

16,606,625 

223,635 

1,554,937 
285,711 
126,965 


$1,216,238 

2,243,043 

4,381 

4,994,234 

5,789,813 

49,621,630 

77,296,852 

12,294,954 

77,867 

895,137 

179,622 

36,335 


$65,384,509 

178,400,701 

600,700 

400,691,535 

15,384,692 

4,888,855,586 

154,953,564 

1,452,945,088 

2,297,960 

* 107,535,083 

13,482,149 

10,258,162 


$785,589 

603,875 
None. 

2,957,375 
1,403,411 

26,161,329 
17,920,035 

5,741,379 

24,780 

345,382 

3,466 

4,857 


Non-Massachusetts Co.'s, — 
Fire and marine, other States 
Life of other States .... 
U.S. branches of foreign Co.'s 

Plate-glass 

Accident 

Steam-boiler 

Casualty 


233 


Totals 


$541,665,478 


$154,650,106 


$7,290,789,729 


$55,951,478 



Only one reporting 



244 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

These figures will probably show, even to the casual observer, the 
formidable insurance interest represented in Boston. 

Life-insurance in America virtually gained its foothold in Boston ; for 
the first statistics gathered that were ultimately used as its basis was a com- 
plete table of American life, framed in 1 789 by Prof. Edward Wigglesworth 
of Harvard College. This table was subsequently adopted by the Supreme 
Court of Massachusetts as a rule in estimating the value of life-estates. In 
181 1 the Massachusetts General Hospital was established; and the mana- 
gers were authorized to grant annuities ; which was done until an arrange- 
ment was made in 1823 with the Massachusetts Hospital Life-Insurance 
Company, chartered in 1818, to which the business of granting annuities 
was transferred on a royalty for the hospital of one-third the net profits of 
the new company. In 1823 Phillips's " Law of Life Insurance," the first 
American work of its kind, was published in Boston. The New-England 
Mutual Life-Insurance Company was the second company to obtain a charter 
from the Commonwealth; and, although chartered in 1835, it did not begin 
business for several years afterwards, as it was hindered by the hard times, 
and encumbered with the royalty which was required of all life-insurance 
companies, of one-third the profits to the hospital. In 1844 the State 
Mutual Life-insurance Company of Worcester was incorporated. In 1846 
the law regarding payment to the hospital was construed to require only 
one-third of the net profits after the payment of a six-per-cent dividend to 
the stockholders ; and since that time four life-insurance companies have 
been chartered by the State. To the credit of the Commonwealth it can 
be said, that none of the life-insurance companies chartered by it have ever 
failed or discontinued. Although it is not within the scope of this work to 
consider the many laws that have been enacted relative to insurance, it cer- 
tainly is pardonable to mention the " non-forfeiture law," which, enacted in 
1 861, provides that life-insurance companies shall continue their policies in 
force until all premiums that have been paid are wholly exhausted, whether 
the assured pays his annual premium or not. This law, binding only upon 
the Massachusetts companies, removes one of the former inequities of life- 
insurance. 

The Massachusetts Hospital Life-insurance Company, referred to above, 
is still in successful operation ; but its business is chiefly confined to trusts 
and annuities, and, in fact, it transacts no life-insurance business in its 
modern forms. The office of the comjDany is at No. 50 State Street ; and 
its officers are John L. Gardner president, Samuel C. Cobb actuary, J. C. 
Braman secretary. Its paid-up capital is ^500,000 ; and its gross assets, 
including its trust-funds, are nearly $16,000,000. The company during the 
past half-century has paid the hospital a large amount of money. Nathaniel 
Bowditch, the first actuary, and in fact the originator of the company, re- 
mained in its service for many years. 



K/JVG'S HANDBOOK' OF BOSTON. 245 

The New-England Mutual Life of Boston was the first company char- 
tered in America, to do a life-insurance business in its modern forms ; 
and its career from the beginning has been one of continued prosperity. 
The company began with a cash capital of $50,000, being 50 per cent of a 
guarantee capital that was withdrawn in 1853: and to-day its cash assets 
amount to $15,000,000. In 1878 its income was $2,500,110, and its disburse- 
ments were $2,216,536, of which $1,904,334 was paid to policy-holders 
for losses, distributions of surplus, and cancelled policies. From these 
figures it is seen that the New-England Mutual Life-Insurance Company, 
both by virtue of its assets and the extent of its operations, is one of the 
largest corporations of New England. Its remarkable success is due to 
several causes, but especially to its policy of management. Competent men 
are carefully chosen for oiificers and employes, and then they are retained 
by the company. The first president, Willard Phillips, — an author of sev- 
eral standard insurance works, — served for 23 years. His successor is 
Benjamin F. Stevens, who has been president for the past 12 years, and had 
previously been secretary for 1 7 years and vice-president for 2 years. Mr. 
Stevens has therefore been connected with this company for 31 consecutive 
years, and his term of service for one insurance company is longer than that 
of any other life-insurance officer in America. The first secretary held the 
office for 4 years ; the second, Mr. Stevens, for 17 years ; and the present 
secretary, Joseph M. Gibbens, was elected 14 years ago, after a previous 
connection with this company of 15 years. The benefits of the "non-forfeit- 
ure law "were applied by vote of the directors to all the policies of this 
company in force at the time of the enactment of the law. The former 
building of the company, on the corner of State and Congress Streets, was 
purchased by the city for the purpose of widening Congress Street. In 1S74 
the company erected, on Post-office Square, its present building, which, 
together with the adjoining building, forms the handsomest block in New 
England. The fagades, in the Renaissance style, are of granite, five stories 
high, and are surmounted with an iron roof containing two stories. The 
frontage is 50 feet on Post-ofiice Square, iSr on Congress Street, 69 feet in 
the rear, and 68 feet in an area. The floor surface is 10,257 square feet. All 
floors and the roof are constructed of iron beams and brick arches, and 
there are 22 large burglar and fire proof safes in the building. The first 
floor has three wide entrances, — one on Post-office Square, and two on 
Congress Street, — with spacious halls leading to a wide and easy stair- 
way. On this floor are five large banking-rooms, all occupied at present. 
On the second floor are the company's offices, amply provided with all the 
conveniences necessary to conduct its extensive and increasing business. 
The other stories are divided into offices, some of the choicest in the city. 
The rooms and floors are provided with electric bells and speaking-tubes 



246 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

for communication to and from all parts of the building. The elevator is 
run, and the heating apparatus supplied, with steam from boilers placed, for 
additional security, under an area away from the building. The architect 
was Nathaniel J. Bradlee. Among the many occupants of the New-Eng- 
land Life building, are the Everett National Bank, of which Warren Sawyer 
is president, and George E. Carr cashier ; the Merchandise National Bank, 
Israel G. Whitney president, and J. F. R. Foss cashier ; the National Web- 
ster Bank, Francis Jaques president, and Charles L. Riddle cashier ; Mercei 
& Whittemore, agents of the yEtna Insurance Company of Hartford, and 
Queen Insurance Company of England ; the Locke Regulator Company, 
Almond F. Nason president, manufacturers of pressure-regulators for steam 
and water; the Park Commissioners of the City of Boston; and the Whit- 
tier Machine Company, Charles Whittier president. The Whittier Com- 
pany, a sketch of which is given in the chapter on " The Business Houses," 
put in the elevators, steam-boilers, and steam-fixtures. The American Bank 
Note Company, several specimens of whose work are to be found in this 
book, have their office, designing, engraving, and printing rooms in this 
building. The company have been tenants of the New-England Life-insur- 
ance Company for the past 22 years. The manager of the business is Ben- 
jamin C. Leonard. On the upper floors are Rand, Avery, & Co.'s rooms 
containing their geometric lathes, used in engraving steel plates for railroad 
tickets ; also the offices of many leading lawyers, architects, and mills. 
Among the latter are the Merrimack Manufacturing Company, Charles H. 
Dalton treasurer: the Indian Orchard Mills, and Atlantic Cotton Mills, Wil- 
liam Gray, jun., treasurer; and the Pacific Mills, James L. Little treasurer. 

The entire basement was constructed expressly for, and is now occupied 
by, the Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Company, referred to elsewhere. 

The John Hancock Mutual Life-insurance Company of Boston was 
chartered in 1861, as the exponent of the Massachusetts non-forfeiture law, 
and was the first company to pay a loss under that law, which compels the 
continuance of a policy in force until the policy-holder has received the full 
benefits of the premiums paid by him. The assets of the company ajiproach 
$3,000,000, and the gross payments to policy-holders amount to more than 
$4,000,000. Notwithstanding the general depression, a larger business was 
done in 1877 than in any year preceding since 1S72; the actual increase in 
amount at risk being $383,100. During the same year the company intro- 
duced the " Industrial Plan," the object of which is to present to the labor- 
ing and industrial classes a form of insurance within their reach, that they 
may be benefited to an extent within their ability to pay. The plan has 
received the indorsement of insurance experts and the press. This com- 
pany, through its by-laws, requires the policy-holders, with the aid of ex- 
perts, to examine its condition at least once each year. During the past 













H:ii:i::BS-iimiM 

^^y7''y, i'iw» y ^ "- .' ■" ■ '''' ^^^J''J^l^Jlu»'i^^l^lH um^ilBlmP I: Jll^l^ ll ll l l lll ^ lll l llll ^ ^ ^nll 




Building of th.i 

NEW-ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE CO., 

Post-Office Square, Boslon. 



Benj. F. Stevens, President. 



Joseph M. Gibbens, Secretary. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 247 

four years twenty different persons not connected with the management of 
the company have made such examinations. The president, Hon. Stephen 
H. Rhodes, was for six years connected with the insurance department of 
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ; and the secretary, George B. Wood- 
ward, was for six years connected with the New-England Mutual Life- 
insurance Company of Boston. The insurance department says that there 
is no American life-insurance company making more rapid progress to-day 
than the John Hancock Life-insurance Company. The office is in Sears 
Building, corner Court and Washington Streets. 

The Mutual Life of New York, which was the first life-insurance com- 
pany to begin operations in the United States, is to-day the largest moneyed 
institution in America, and the largest corporation in the world. The com- 
pany's assets are $15,000,000 larger than those of the Bank of England. Its 
gross assets are nearly $90,000,000, and it has paid to policy-holders the enor- 
mous sum of $121,146,559. As it was organized in 1843, these payments are 
at the rate of $3,461,330 per year, $288,444 per month, $66,564 per week, 
and $9,509 per day, holidays and Sundays included. The number of policies 
in force Dec. 31, 1877, was 91,553; and the amount of insurance covered 
by them was nearly $300,000,000. The income for 1877 was $18,912,461. 
These figures barely convey an idea of the magnitude of the Mutual Life 
Company or its operations ; but they do show that the company is justly 
entitled to own the most elegant structures in which to transact its busi- 
ness. Buildings had been erected in New York and Philadelphia; and it was 
thought advisable to erect one in Boston that would not only suitably accom- 
modate its extensive New-England business, but also prove a profitable 
investment. Accordingly, one of the most eligible sites was selected ; and 
now the building stands on Milk Street, majestically fronting Post-oftice 
Square. From almost every part of the city and harbor, its marble tower, 
with gilded balcony, can be seen as an architectural monument of the com- 
pany's success, that was achieved by honesty, industry, economy, and ability. 
This superb white-marble edifice is said to be the finest and most complete 
building of its kind on this continent, and, together with the adjoining build- 
ing, makes unquestionably the handsomest and most imposing block in 
New England. To enter into the details of its construction would require 
more space than can be allotted here. The total height of the tower, 
the gilded crests, and the iron flagstaff, is 234 feet. From the balcony, 
198 ft. 6 in. above the sidewalk, can be obtained the best possible view 
of Boston and its surroundings. The clock is an interesting feature. It 
has four dials, each 10 ft. 6 in. in diameter; and the hands are 5 ft. 3 in. long. 
The striking-hammer weighs 150 lbs., and the bell 3,700 lbs. The clock 
pendulum is 15 feet long; and the three immense weights, of 2,500 lbs., 
together with their chains, extend 45 feet below the dials. The winding up 



248 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



of the clock, every eighth clay, requires two stout men, who laboriously turn 
a crank 241 times for each weight. The building is strictly fireiDroof, and 
contains seven floors, including the basement. Among the occupants of the 

first floor is the Bos- 
ton National Bank, 
of which Charles B. 
Hall is president. 
This bank has a cash 
capital of $1,000,000, 
and is the United 
States Depository. 
On the second floor 
is the elegant office 
of Amos D. Smith, 
3d, the general agent 
for Massachusetts of 
the Mutual Life. The 
basement is occupied 
by the Great West- 
ern Despatch, the 
South Shore Line, 
and the Erie and Pa- 
cific Despatch, of 
which H. R. Duval 
is general manager, 
and George J. Dock- 
ray N. E. General 
Agent. The Mutual 
Life is purely mu- 
tual. Ex-Gov. A. H. 
Rice and George C. 
Richardson are the 
Boston trustees ; and 
to them the Boston 
people are greatly 
indebted for the 
magnificent struc- 
ture above men- 
tioned. 

The Mutual Benefit Life-insurance Co., of Newark, N.J., was organized 
in May, 1845, and is one of the oldest, largest, and best companies in the 
country. It is now in the thirty-fourth year of a uniformly successful busi- 




KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



249 



ness. It is purely mutual, having no guaranty capital or stock. Its gross 
assets are about $35,000,000. This company has more than $10,000,000 
at risk in Massachusetts, the greater portion being on lives of citizens of 
Boston. It has been represented in this city for more than thirty years, and 
has paid losses here amounting to more than $2,300,000. Its total receipts 
have exceeded $100,000,000. The president is Lewis C. Grover; and the 
Boston agent is James B. Niver, whose office is at 15 State Street. 

The Equitable Life-Assurance Society of New York has erected, on 

the corner of Milk 
and Devonshire 
Streets, one of the 
grandest and most 
substantial busi- 
S ness edifices in this 
C country. It is one 
= of the most-fre- 
ff quented places in 
P the city. The three 
comfortable eleva- 
tors, incased in 
buck walls, carry 
up and down about 
-, 000 persons every 
day, while the 
Equitable Safe De- 
posit Vaults in the 
basement, and the 
several leading 
banks on the first 
floor, cause thou- 
sands of persons to 
inf enter the building 
lIJi dady. On the up- 
pei floors are the 
offices of several 
gieat railroad com- 
panies, the Equita- 
ble Life-Assurance .Society, and the U.S. signal-service. From the roof, acces- 
sible to all, can be obtained one of the most picturesque views of Boston 
and its surroundings. On the roof is the time-ball that is dropped by 
telegraph from the Harvard Observatory every day at 12 o'clock, and 
serves as regulator for the timepieces of the people in the same manner as 




Equ table L fe As u ance Soc e y s Bu Id ng M Ik S eet 



250 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

the Old South clock did in times past. On the whole, this building, its 
interior and exterior, is one of the sights of Boston. 

There are also 23 agencies for life-insurance companies organized in 
other States, and 3 agencies for companies chartered by this State. 

Fire and Marine Insurance was effected in Boston as far back certainly 
as 1724, but the business for many years was done only by individuals. The 
first company chartered by the Commonwealth was the Massachusetts Fire 
and Marine Insurance Company, in 1795; which continued until 184S, when 
its charter was revoked. In 1798 the Massachusetts Mutual Fire-Insurance 
Company, and in 1799 the Boston Insurance Company, were chartered. 
During the present century the formation of companies has been constant. 
From many causes, and especially the Great Fire of 1872, a large number of 
the fire and marine companies have disappeared from the surface. For 
losses in that fire, $60,000,000 were paid by the insurance companies doing 
business in Boston. Without this money to aid in the rebuilding of the 
city it is difficult to see what would have become of Boston. To the fire- 
underwriters also is due the formation and support of the Boston Protective 
Department mentioned in another chapter. 

Before 1872 most of the fire-insurance of Boston was carried by the local 
companies ; but the disastrous results of " carrying too many eggs in one 
basket " showed the necessity of looking, not only to Boston, but to the 
world, for capital to meet the calamities that can befall the city through 
extensive conflagrations. A large part of the losses by the Great Fire were 
paid by the companies of other States and countries then doing business 
here ; and for that reason the preference over local companies was given 
them by insurers. Since then a large number of companies, some from 
various parts of Europe and North America, with great capitals, have 
established agencies in Massachusetts. The Great Fire made another 
notable change, by making this city the headquarters for New England of 
many of the largest foreign and American companies ; and their trusted and 
experienced general agents and adjusters settled here, and became active 
citizens, interested equally with the officers of the local companies in every 
thing that is advantageous to Boston. Many of these men have joined the 
ranks of the local agents. The insurance agents generally are men of 
standing, energy, and intelligence, whose persistency in conducting their 
business has become proverbial. There are now so many companies and 
agencies with whom parties seeking large lines of insurance would have to 
deal, if they tried to effect their own insurance, that the necessity of having 
some person transact the business of the assured with the companies has 
brought forward a class of men called " brokers." These seek to control 
the insurance of firms, and to divide it among the various offices, the latter 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 25 1 

paying them commissions. Their duty to the assured is to see that the 
policies intended to cover the same property are concurrent and correctly 
worded, and that the insurance is effected in reliable companies at proper 
rates. Many agents also act as brokers, and take care of the full line of 
insurance carried by their patrons, placing in other agencies whatever they 
cannot place in their own. In the " Boston Directory" for 1878 is a list of 
267 "insurance agents," many of whom do partly or exclusively a brokerage 
business. 

The Boston companies, whose policies are now sought for all over the 
country, have scattered their business ; and what they lose in amount by 
the competition on local business they more than regain by their own com- 
petition elsewhere. The wisdom of this policy must be plain ; for now, in 
case of large fires, with agencies scattered over the country, the companies, 
although they should lose their whole assets, could, possibly, pay their losses 
as fast as adjusted, by means of the premiums coming in from other parts. 

The Boston Fire -Underwriters' Union was formed as the result of a 
combination of the Board of Fire-Insurance Companies and the Board of 
Insurance Agents that had previously existed. Its original purpose was to 
establish and enforce uniform rates of premium ; but after the Great Fire of 
1872 it influenced the introduction of many fire-defences, by mean^^ of which 
both the old and the new sections of the city are made more secure against 
fire. At present its chief work is to gather and circulate facts of all kinds 
interesting to fire-underwriters. Its membership includes almost all agents 
and local companies. The president is B. D. Whittemore, and the secretary 
Osborne Howes, jun. The ofifice is at 54 Devonshire Street. 

The American Insurance Company and the Mercantile Marine Insurance 
Company were the only two Boston joint-stock fire-and-marine companies 
that at the time of the Great Fire, in 1872, not only paid their losses in full, 
but also kept their capital intact and held a surplus besides. The American 
was incorporated in 181 8. The main causes of escaping the general calam- 
ity were its careful selection of risks, and its large reserve funds, which, with 
its capital, amounted in 1872 to over $900,000. Notwithstanding the ac- 
cumulation of a reserve, the American never failed, up to that time, to pay 
its semi-annual dividends, which have reached 30% a year. Since the Great 
Fire, which cost the American nearly $500,000, the company, in pursuance 
of its admirable policy of accumulating a large reserve fund for the protec- 
tion of the policy-holders, passed its dividends for a few years, but they 
have since been resumed, and now always reach 10% a year — the largest 
percentage allowed bylaw. The assets of the company Jan. i, 1879, were 
$505,200; the capital, $300,000 ; the surplus, $123,216; and the liabilities, 
$81,985. The par value of the stock is $100; and the market value, based 
on the last sales, is $133. The American is the only Boston fire-insurance 



252 A^/JVG'S HANDBOOK' OF BOSTON. 

company owning, exclusively, its own office-building. Its first president 
was Francis J. Oliver, who held the office 18 years. His successor for 28 
years was J. Ingersoll Bowditch, the son of Nathaniel Bowditch, whom he 
aided in making the calculations of the famous Navigator's Tables. The 
third president, Charles Eliot Guild, was in office 9 years. He is the 
brother-in-law of President Eliot of Harvard University, and is to-day the 
general agent of the Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Company 
of England. The fourth and present president is f>ancis Peabody, who 
has held the office since 1873. The directors are: Francis Peabody, J. I. 
Bowditch, William Perkins, James S. Amory, William B. Bacon, George B. 
Chase, George Z. Silsbee, Charles J. Morrill, John F. Anderson, J. Murray 
Forbes, R. D. Rogers, George A. Gardner, W. M. Whitney. The secretary, 
elected in 1872, is Joseph W. Field. The office of the American Insurance 
Companv is at No. 54 State Street. 

The Mercantile Marine Insurance Company has already been mentioned 
in the sketch of the American Insurance Company as one of the only two 
Boston joint-stock fire-and-marine companies, that, after paying in full their 
losses by the Great Fire of 1872, were left with a surplus over their cash capi- 
tals. The Mercantile Marine for over half a century has ranked among the 
foremost marine insurance companies, of New England. It confined its 
business to marine risks until 1871, when it began to take fire risks. The 
company was chartered in 1823, and has always been successful. Its cash 
dividends have averaged over 10% a year. Moreover, in 1876, out of its large 
surplus it made a stock-dividend of $100,000 by which its capital stock was 
increased to $400,000. Its assets are over $700,000; its surplus over $200,- 
000; and its liabilities about $100,000. The Mercantile Marine is known as 
one of tlie most conservative companies. Its fire-insurance is confined 
chiefly to the best class of risks, and is scattered throughout the United 
States by means of agents in the principal cities. Since 1824 there have 
been only four presidents: Joseph Baker, 12 years, 1824-36; Nathaniel 
Meriam, 27 years, 1836-63; Stephen H. Bullard, 10 years, 1863-73; and 
George R. Rogers, the present incumbent. Mr. Rogers was connected 
with the company 16 years, — 7 years as secretary, — prior to his election as 
president July, 1873. B. F. Field, jun., has been secretary since 1873. The 
directors have always included many of the most respected business-men of 
Boston. Edward Wigglesworth, a descendant of the famous person of that 
name, was a director for 40 years. George R. Minot, of Minot, Hooper, & 
Co., has been a director for the past 38 years. The company's office is at 
58 State Street, the same place where it has been for 55 years. The old 
Custom-House stood on this site; and when it was torn down, the Mercan- 
tile Marine Insurance Company became possessors of the two carved statues 
of " Hope " and "Justice " which stand in the office. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 253 

The Manufacturers' Fire and Marine is the largest of the Boston joint- 
stock fire-and-marine insurance companies. Its history is not only interest- 
ing, but also, in several ways, remarkable. Although chartered in 1822, the 
Manufacturers' has had only three presidents and three secretaries : — 



PRESIDENTS. 



Jesse Putn.im, 6 ye.irs (1822-1828^. 

Charles W. Cartwrlght, 34 years (1828-1862). 

Samuel Gould, 17 years (:862-i879). 



SECNKTARIES. 



Samuel Hunt, 31 years (1822-1853). 
Samuel Gould, 9 years (1853-1862). 
James J. Goodrich, 17 years (1862-1879). 



The present officers of the company have been directly connected with it 
for the following periods : the president, Samuel Gould, 41 years ; the sec- 
retary, James J. Goodrich, 30 years ; and the assistant secretary, Samuel 
H. Wise, 17 years. Fifty-two years ago the Manufacturers' bought a half 
interest in the real estate No. 59 State Street. The office of the company 
was then removed to that place, where it has remained ever since. Few 
corporations in America can show a similar record. The capital and assets 
of the Manufacturers', amounting to $1,500,000, were wholly paid out in the 
Great Fire of 1S72; but the company was at once re-organized with a cash 
capital of $500,000. It has prospered since then, notwithstanding the hard 
times and the large fires, until now its assets are :f 1,143,188, while its sur- 
plus, excluding its re-insurance and reserve funds and all liabilities, is #748,- 
633. Its business is spread over the United States, and its income is 
equal to that of any Boston fire-and-marine company. Its business is not 
only large, but it is economically done. Of all the foreign and American 
companies, 175 in number, authorized to do business in New-York State, 
only one had a lower ratio of expenses to premium receipts than the old and 
staunch Manufacturers' Fire and Marine of Boston. 

Foster & Scull, whose business was established in 1867, unquestionably 
lead the fire and marine insurance agents of Boston. 'i"he firm is composed 
of George E. Foster, Gideon Scull, and Frederick Bradley. They represent 
several of the stanchest and oldest companies in the world. Of these the 
"Royal" heads the list in size, and the "Insurance Company of Nortli 
America " in age. The Royal was chartered at Liverpool in 1845, and is 
one of those great English companies to which Americans are so greatly 
indebted for the prompt payment of immense losses at Chicago, Boston, 
and elsewhere. Its losses at Boston in 1872 were $1,100,000. The Insur- 
ance Company of North America, organized at Philadelphia in 1792, is 
with one exception the oldest and largest of the insurance companies 
organized in this country. It was the first company in America to issue a 
marine policy. Its assets are $6,552,000, of which $1,953,595 are liabilities, 
$2,000,000 are capital, and $2,598,414 are surplus, which, by the way, is the 
largest surplus held by any American company. It has paid over $46,000,- 
000 for losses, without ever calling on its stockholders for aid. The othei 



254 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

companies represented by Foster & Scull are the American Fire of Phila- 
delphia, which was chartered in iSio, and has assets exceeding $1,350,000; 
the Pennsylvania Fire of Philadelphia, organized in 1854, assets over 
$1,800,000; and the Orient Mutual of New York, chartered in 1854, an 
exclusively marine company, with assets exceeding $1,000,000. The offices 
of Foster & Scull are spacious and elegantly furnished, and occupy the en- 
tire first floor of the Chandler Building, Nos. 45 and 47 Devonshire Street. 

John C. Paige is probably the most widely and most favorably known of 
all the large number of insurance agents in Boston. His agency, estab- 
lished since the Great Fire, represents a greater amount of insurance 
capital than any other agency in Boston, and includes several of the 
strongest insurance companies that have ever been organized, such as the 
Northern Assurance Company of London, with total resources of $25,000,- 
000; the Imperial Fire of London, $12,000,000; and the Franklin Fire of 
Philadelphia, with assets of $3,400,000. These companies, with the Stand- 
aW of Trenton, Hoffman of New York, Orient of Hartford, and Trades- 
men's of New York, all represented at this agency, have total assets of 
more than $42,000,000. Mr. Paige is also the general agent for New Eng- 
land of the Franklin Fire of Philadelphia; and by his able management 
the company has built up the large and profitable business to which it is 
entitled by reason of its sterling worth. The amount of business of this 
agency is exceeded by that of only a few in Boston ; and the office, No. 7 
Exchange Place, is in the centre of the " insurance district," and hand- 
somely and conveniently furnished. 

Capt. W. B. Sears, 22 Water Street, is the leading insurance broker of 
Boston. His business was established in 1865, since which time he has 
been the agent of many of the largest insurance companies. Capt. Sears 
served 3 years in the Army of the Potomac, and 8 years in both cavalry and 
infantry of the Massachusetts Militia. He is well known as captain of 
the Claflin Guards, whose usefulness and efficiency have been frequently 
acknowledged. His father is Dr. B. Sears, formerly the president of New- 
ton Theological Institution, an Overseer of Harvard College, the successor 
of Horace Mann as secretary of the Massachusetts State Board of Educa- 
tion, the president of Brown University, and at present the general agent 
of George Peabody's educational fund for the Southern States, of which 
President Grant, President Hayes, Hamilton Fish, William M. Evarts, and 
Robert C. Winthrop are trustees. Capt. Sears was also one of the active 
charter-members of the Boston Protective Department. He enjoys the 
confidence of the largest mercantile houses, and controls the full line of 
insurance carried by many firms. His assistant and cashier is his brother, 
Capt. E. H. Sears, who gained an enviable record during 5 years' active 
service in the Army of the Potomac and the United States Navy. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



255 










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KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 261 



^jje JFmancial institutions. 

NATIONAL AND SAVINGS BANKS, BANKERS, SAFE-DEPOSIT AND 

TRUST COMPANIES. 

THE first bank in America was established in Boston. It began 
a three-years' course in 16S6, and loaned money on real and per- 
sonal estate and imperishable merchandise. The second American bank 
was opened in this city in 1714. It issued $400,000 of scrip, called "mer- 
chants' notes," which sustained a good credit while the bank passed through 
its short career. In 1740 "The Land Bank " was organized by 700 or 800 
persons, to afford relief at a time of scarcity of specie. The " Specie 
Bank" was in operation at the same time. They were only the stepping- 
stones to the solid banks that were founded later. 

In 1782 a branch of the Bank of North America, a Philadelphian insti- 
tution, was incorporated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This 
institution was a signal success, and after it were modelled many banks 
organized in the commercial cities of the United States. The first bank 
firmly established in Boston, and the second in America, was the Massa- 
chusetts Bank, chartered in 17S4. From that time the history of the finan- 
cial institutions is somewhat voluminous, and we shall have to pass on to 
a cursory glance at those of to-day. Boston has 61 national banks, a larger 
number than any other city in the United States. They have a total cash 
capital of $53,150,000, about the same amount as the total capital of the 
New- York City national banks. Their surplus, Oct. i, 1878, amounted to 
$11,343,351. Thirty banks of the City of Boston have cash capitals of 
$1,000,000, or more, each; and the banks of no other city in the world can 
make a similar showing. The banks of Boston are noted for their con- 
servatism, and also for their large proportion of capital to deposits. 

To give a mere outline of the history of the 61 banks, would require too 
much space for a work of this kind. A complete list of them and their 
officers will be found on the following pages. Prominent among the great 
number of banks in Boston noted for their sound financial basis, ranks — 

The Merchants National Bank, chartered in 183 1 as the Merchants 
Bank. In July of the same year it went into operation with a capital of 
$500,000. In 1833 the Secretary of the United States Treasury selected it 
as a depository of the public moneys; and in 1841, when the United States 
Sub-treasury was abolished, this bank was again chosen as depository, and 



262 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

was at that time the only Boston bank to receive government deposits. In 
1835 the bank purchased from the United States Bank the site of its present 
building on State Street. The ground covers an area of 8,000 square feet, 
and the property is assessed on |6oo,ooo. The bank has increased its capi- 
tal successively to ^750,000, $1,500,000, $2,000,000, $2,500,000, $3,000,000, 
and $4,000,000. In 1864 it began business as a national bank with a capital 
of $3,000,000, and authority to increase it to $6,000,000. It has paid regu- 
larly semi-annual dividends since it commenced business. It has issued 
since 1835 no bill of a lower denomination than $5.00. Its capital of $3,000,- 
000 is the largest in New England, and is $1,000,000 larger than that of any 
other bank in Boston. Its circulation is $1,800,000, and its surplus upwards 
of $1,000,000. Franklin Haven has been president since 1837; a longer term 
of service than any bank-president in the city. The cashier is George R. 
Chapman, and the directors are Franklin Haven, Benjamin F. Burgess, Wil- 
liam Amory, John P. Bayley, J. Huntington Wolcott, T. Jefferson Coolidge, 
and J. F. Anderson. 

The National Revere Bank of Boston was organized May 3, 1859, under 
the general banking law, as the Revere Bank. July i, 1865, it re-organized 
under the national banking law, and assumed its present title. At first 
it occupied a part of the second floor in the granite building owned by the 
Sears Estate, and situated on the corner of Franklin and Devonshire 
Streets. The Great Fire of 1872 destroyed the building; but all the bank's 
books and papers were saved. Temporary quarters were then secured in 
the Sears Building on Washington Street, corner of Court Street. There 
the bank continued business until the completion (July i, 1874) of the beau- 
tiful marble building on the site of the bank's former rooms. In this new 
building — corner of Devonshire and Franklin Streets — the first floor was 
specially finished for the National Revere Bank, and provided with the most 
approved fire and burglar proof safes, as well as all conveniences for bank 
business. The capital originally was $600,000 ; but a few months after the 
bank began business it was increased to $1,000,000, and subsequently it was 
fixed at its present amount, $1,500,000. Samuel H. Walley, the first presi- 
dent, continued in office until his death, Aug. 27, 1877. His successor was 
Samuel C. Cobb, who held the position until March 30, 1878, when he was 
succeeded by George S. Bullens. The first cashier, John W. Lefavour, 
resigned June 6, 1869, by reason of ill-health; and H. Blasdale, who has 
been connected with the bank from the time of its organization, was 
elected. The list of directors has always included the names of Boston's 
most active and most successful business men, and at present the list is as 
follows : Osmyn Brewster, John Cowdin, George P. Denny, Samuel Park- 
man Dexter, Richard S. Fay, Joseph Sawyer, James A. Woolson, John C. 
Potter, Franklin E. Gregory, Gorham Rogers, George S. Bullens. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



263 



The Howard National Bank of Boston is the successor of the Howard 
Banking Company, which was incorporated in 1853. With a capital of 
$500,000, it began business at 97 State Street. In 1858 the name of the in- 
stitution was changed to the Howard Bank. Under that style the bank 
continued until January, 1865, when, having re-organized under the national 
banking law, it assumed the 

present title. In March, 1865, ,f '^ 

the capital was increased to 
$750,000: and in October, 1869, 
there was another increase of 
$250,000, making the capital 
$1,000,000, at which amount it 
now stands. In April, 1870, the 
bank removed to the second 
floor of the building. No. 85 ^^^ 
.State Street, opposite Mei 
chants' Row. This location 
becoming not wholly satisfac- 
tory, a new one was sought 
and in the spring of 1878 two 
lots of land, having a frontage 
of 43 feet on Congress Street, 
and extending through to Con 
gress Square, were secured 
Immediately began the erection 
of the " Howard Bank Building 
from plans prepared by Peabod\ 
& .Stearns. On the morning ot 
Jan. I. 1879, the day of the re 
sumption of specie payments, — li^ 
the bank moved into its new 
building. Its banking-rooms 
are upon the first floor, easih 
accessible, and very cheerful 
The finish, and also the count- 
ers, furniture, and fittings, are 
all of mahogany, and were speciallv designed to secure the utmost con- 
venience and safety as well as complete harmony of effect. The building 
contains sixteen elegant offices besides the banking-rooms. Since organ- 
izing under the national banking system, tlie bank has regularly paid semi- 
annual dividends, which have aviraged about "^^-^ per cent. Its total divi- 
dends as a national bank amount to $1,080,000; and its present surplus 




Howa d Kat o al Bank Congress Street 



264 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

fund is about $120,000, beside other profits of about $50,000. The Howard 
numbers among its depositors many of the best firms and corporations in 
the city, and has also a large number of bank and mercantile correspondents 
whose Eastern business it transacts. The president is R. E. Demmon, 
and the cashier Samuel F. Wilkins. The directors are A. B. Butterfield, 
J. W. Candler, R. E. Demmon, Francis Flint, J. M. W. Hall, William Hilton. 
Aug. P. Martin, N. VV. Rice, and T. Albert Taylor. 

The Maverick National Bank, combining in an eminent degree the ele- 
ments of stability and of enterprise. For 25 years it has had identified 
with it many of the leading merchants and financiers of the city. Its loca- 
tion in the elegant Simmons Building, corner of Water and Congress Streets, 
opposite the Post-office, is in the very heart of the business section. It has 
most conveniently arranged rooms for the transaction of its constantly in- 
creasing business. With an ample capital, and a large surplus, the Maverick 
numbers among its stockholders many original owners of shares ; and its 
stock stands as high as that of any bank in New England. The long and 
faithful service of its officers has been one of the chief causes of the great 
success of the Maverick. Asa P. Potter, the president, has had only two 
predecessors in office. Samuel Phillips, the cashier for the past 20 years, 
is the second person who has filled that position. Josiah O. Bennett, the 
assistant cashier, has been connected with the bank since 1871. As the 
Government depositary and fiscal agent, this bank was the first to place the 
new four-per-cent loan before the people of New England. The business 
of supplying these bonds to individuals and to other banks is so great that 
it has been found necessary to establish a separate department for the 
purpose ; and this is so well systematized that many banks buy from the 
Maverick in preference to buying from the Treasury. Other Government 
securities are also bought and sold by this bank. With an affable and 
expert corps of assistants to aid in its energetic management, the Maverick 
National Bank merits its remarkable success, and is justly classed as one 
of the soundest financial institutions in the United States. 

Charles A. Sweet & Co. are one of the oldest, most reliable, and most 
highly-esteemed banking-firms in Boston. Charles A. Sweet, the senior 
member of the firm, graduated from the distinguished banking-house of 
Gilbert & Sons, and opened, in 1851, a banking-office at 76 State Street. In 
1853 the office was removed to 40 State Street, and has remained there ever 
since. During the Rebellion Mr. Sweet was conspicuously prominent in 
placing the different government loans throughout New England. Since 
that time, in addition to heavy transactions in United-States bonds of various 
issues, this firm has taken a prominent position in the negotiation of state, 
city, town, and railroad loans. The firm consists at present of Charles A, 
Sweet, George W. T. Riley, A. W. Perkins, and W. H. Sweet. 




COR, OF WATER AND CONGRESS STREETS 30ST0N 
ANA PPOTTKK !Vr.-.i,l<'iil . 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 
The following is a complete list of the national banks of Boston 



265 



Atlantic . . 

Atlas . . . 

Blackstone . 

Blue Hill . 

Boston . 

Boylston 

Broadway . 

Bunker Hill 

Central . . 

Columbian . 

Continental . 

Eliot . . . 

Everett . . 

Faneuil Hall 

First . . . 

First Ward . 

Fourth . . 

Freeman's . 

Globe . . . 

Hamilton 

Howard . 

Manufacturers 

Market . . 

Massachusetts 

Maverick 

Mechanics' . 

Merchandise 

Merchants' . 

Metropolitan 

Monument . 

Mount Vernon 

Nat'l Bank of Brighton 

Nat'l Bank of Commerce 

Nat'l Bink Commonw'th 

Nat'l Bank N. America 

Nat'l Bank Redemption 

Nat'l Bank of Republic 

National City . . . 

National Eagle . . 

National Exchange . 

Nat'l Hide and Leather 

Nat'l Market of Brighton 

National Revere . 

National Rockland 

National Security 

National Union 

National Webster 

New England . 

North . . . 

Old Boston . . 

Pacific^ . . . 

People's . . . 

Second . . . 

Shawmut 

Shoe and Leather 

State .... 

Suffolk . . . 

Third .... 

Tr.aders' . 

Tremont . . . 

Washington 



Kilby and Doane Sts , 

8 Sears Building . . 
132 Hanover Street . 
Washington St.Dorch. 
Mutual Life Building, 
6r6 Washington St. . 
150 Devonshire Street, 
21 City Sq., Ch'stown, 
121 Devonshire Street, 
65 State Street . . . 
51 .Summer Street . . 
131 Devonshire Street, 
N.-E. Life Building . 
3 South ^L^rket St. 

17 State Street . . 
I Winthrop Bl'k, E.B. 
34 Blackstone Street . 
Ill Sununer Street 
40 State Street . . 
60 Devonshire Street . 
19 Congress Street . 
8S Summer Street . 
85 State Street . . 

60 Congress Street 
50 Water Street 

115 Dorchester Ave. . 
N.-E. Life Building . 
28 State Street . . . 
57 Brattle Street . . 
Thomps'nSq.Ch'st' vvn, 
13 Franklin Street. 
Washington St. W'd 25, 

9 Sears Building . 
Devonshire Street . 
106 Frankhn Street 

85 Devonshire .Street . 
3 Merchants' Row . 

61 State Street . 

95 Milk Stieet . . . 
28 State Street . . 
70 Federal Street . 
Wash'gt'n St.Bright'n, 
100 Franklin Street . 
2343 Washington St. . 
79 Court Street . 
40 State Street . 
N.-E. Life Building . 
67 State Street . . 
109 Franklin St. 
48 State Street . . 
131 Devonshire St. 
114 Dudley Street . 
199 Washington St. 
60 Congress Street . 
150 Devonshire St. 
40 State Street . . 
i 60 State Street . . 
j 66 State Street . . . 
91 State Street . . . 
State cor. Congress St 
47 State Street . . . 



PRESIDENT. 



$750,000 

1,500,000 

1,500,000 

300,000 

1,000,000 

700,000 

200,000 

500,000 

500,000 

1 ,000,000 

1,000,000 

1 ,000,000 

400,000 

1,000,000 

1,000,000 

250,000 

200,000 

800,000 

1 ,000,000 

750,000 

1 ,000,000 

500,000 

800,000 

8oo,oeo 

400,000 

250,000 

750,000 

3 ,000,000 

200,000 

150,000 

200,000 

300,000 

1,500,000 

500,000 

1,000,000 

1 ,000,000 

1,500,000 

1,000,000 

1 ,000,000 

1,000,000 

1,500,000 

250,000 

1,500,000 

300,000 

200,000 

1 ,000,000 

1,500,000 

1 ,000,000 

1 ,000,000 

900,000 

250,000 

-^ 300,000 

1 ,600,000 

1,000,000 

1,000,000 

2,000,000 

1,500,000 

300,000 

600,000 

2,000,000 

750,000 



Isaac Pratt, jun. 
William P. Hunt. 
Joshua Loring. 
E. T. Bispham. 
Charles H. Hall. 
Joseph T. Bailey. 
Axel Dearborn. 
Edward Lawrence. 
Charles J. Bishop. 
John T. Coolidge. 
Oliver Ditson. 
Wm. H. Goodwin. 
Warren Sawyer. 
Nathan Robbins. 
Abraham T. Lowe. 
Chas. R. INIcLean. 
S. F. Woodbridge. 
John H. Rogers. 
W. B. Stevens. 
S. S. Blanchard. 
Reub. E. Demmon. 
Edward Turner. 
Chas. O. Whitmore 
Heniy A. Rice. 
Asa P. Potter. 
Jas. W. Converse. 
Israel G. Whitney. 
Franklin Haven. 
Walters. Blanchard 
James O. Curtis. 
Thomas N. Hart. 
C. W. Kingsley. 
Caleb H. Warner. 
E. C. Sherman. 
Isaac T. Burr. 
Wm. D. Forbes. 
H. O. Briggs. 
Charles L. Thayer. 
R. S. Co veil. 
Ed. L. Tead. 
George Ripley. 
Jacob F. 'Taylor. 
Geo. S. Bullens. 
Samuel Little. 
Sam'l A. Carlton. 
Charles L. Young. 
Francis Jaques. 
Thomas Lamb. 
George Whitney. 
H. W. Pickering. 
A. I. Benyon. 
Henry Guild. 
James H. Beal. 
John Cummings. 
Seth Turner. 
A. W. Stetson. 
David R. Whitney 
P. L. Everett. 
Edward Sands. 
William Perkins. 
Eben Bacon. 



James T. Drown. 
Charles L. Lane. 
James Adams, jun. 
S. J. Willis. 
James H. Bouvd. 

D. S. Waterman. 

A. Adams. 
Chas.R. Lawrence. 
Louis W. Young. 
J. M. Gordon. 
Charles F. Smith. 
F. Harrington. 
George E. Carr. 
T. G. Hiler. 
John Carr. 
George B. Ford. 
Frank N. Robbins. 

E. S. Hayward. 
Chas. J. Sprague. 
Geo. W. Newhall. 
S. F. Wilkins. 
Francis E. Seaver. 
Jonathan Brown. 
H.K.Frolhingham. 
Samuel Phillips. 
Alvan Simonds. 

J. F. R. Foss. 
Geo. R. Chapman. 
George H. Davis. 
Warren Sanger. 
Henry W. Perkins. 

B. S. Fiske. 
George W. Harris. 
John J. Eddy. 
John K. Hall. 
Ed. A. Presbrey. 
Chas. A. Vialle. 
Chas. C. Barry. 
W. G. Brooks.' 

J. M. Pettengill. 
Samuel Carr, jun. 
Ed. P. Wright. 
H. Blasdale. 
R. B. Fairbairn. 
Charles R. Batt. 
A. Trowbridge. 
Charles L. Riddle. 
Charles F. Swan. 
J. B. Witherbee. 
Fred. L. Church. 

F. J. Chick. 
George C. Leach. 
Ed. C. Brooks. 
James P. Stearns. 
Samuel Carr. 

C. B. Patten. 
Edward Tyler. 
Francis B. Sears. 
F. S. Davis. 
A.T.Frothingham. 
W. H. Bracketl. 



Sixty-one National Banks, total capital $5-^. 650,000 



266 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

The following is a complete list of the savings banks of Boston : — 



NAME. 


OFFICE. 


PRESIDENT. 


TREASURER. 


Boston Five Cents . . . 


38 School Street .... 


' Alonzo H. Evans. 


Curtis C. Nichols. 


Boston Penny 


1 37 1 Washington Street . 


Eben Howes. 


Heniy R. Reynolds. 


Brighton Five Cents . . . 


( Wash'ton St., c. Chest- ( 
1 nut-Hill ave. Brighton, ) 


Horace W. Jordan. 


Jacob M. Taylor. 


Charlestown Five Cents 


Thompson Sq., Cha'stown, 


Phineas J. Stone. 


Amos Stone. 


East Boston 


16 Maverick Square . . 


Phineas M. Crane. 


Albert Bowker. 


Eliot Five Cents .... 


114 Dudley Street . . . 


Wm. C. Appleton. 


George C. Leach. 


Emigrant 


590 Washington Street . . 


Chas. F. Donnelly. 


James Havey. 


Franklin 


20 Boylston Street . . . 


Osmyn Brewster. 


Henry Whittemore. 


Home 


Tremont, cor. Boylston St. 


Henry Smith. 


BrighamN. Bullock. 


Institution for Savings in ) 
Roxbury and vicinity ) 


2343 Washington Street . 


A. D. Hodges. 


Edward Richards. 


North End 


57 Court Street .... 


] Thomas L. Jenks. 


Geo. C. Trumbull. 


Provident 


36 Temple Place .... 


i James S. Amory. 


Charles J. Morrill. 


South Boston 


36S Broadway . . . . 


j George E. Alden. 


George W. Ellis. 


Suffolk 


47 and 49 Tremont Street . 


Thomas Lamb. 


Charles H. Parker. 


Union Inst, for Savings . . 


37 Bedford Street . . . 


1 Jno. C. Crowley. 


George F. Emery. 


Warren Inst, for Savings . 


25 Main St., Charlestown. 


James Adams. 

i 


George F. Tufts. 



I 



The following is a complete list of the trust companies of Boston : — 



NAME. 


OFFICE. 


PRESIDENT. 


SECRETARY. 


Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Co. . 
Massachusetts Hospital Life-Ins. Co. 
Massachusetts Loan and Trust Co. . 
New England Mortgage Security Co. 
New England Trust Co. . 


89 Milk St. . 

50 State St. 

18 Post-Office Sq. 

43 Milk St. 

16 Water St. 


Frederick M. Stone, 
John L. Gardner . 
George W. Rice 
Henry Saltonstall . 
William Endicott, Jr. 


Edward P. Bond. 
J. C. Braman. 
Stephen M. Crosby. 
A. Wylie. 
N. H. Henchman. 



The following is a partial list of the Boston bankers and brokers 



Attwood & Co., Gilbert, 14 Merchants' Exchange. 
Bacon, W. B., New-England agent, Baring Bros. 

& Co., 28 State Street. 
Baldwin & Dillaway, George P., 40 Water Street. 
Ballou & Co., George Wm., 72 Devonshire Street. 
Ballou, M. R., 51 State Street. 
Bangs & Co , Elisha D., 88 State Street. 
Bates & Walley, H. M., 51 State Street. 
Blake Brothers & Co., 28 State Street. 
Bolles & Co., Matthew, 70 State Street. 
Brewster, Basset, & Co., 35 Congress Street. 
Brown Brotliers & Co., 66 .State .Street. 
Brown, J. How.nrd, 51 .State Street. 
Brown, Riley, & Co., 9 Congress Street. 
Chase & Co., R. Gardner, 156 Devonshire Street. 
Corbin Banking Co., 43 Milk Street. 
Day & Co., R. L., 14 Exchange Place. 
Downer & Co., 28 State .Street, basement. 
Fogg Hrothers & Co., 96 Simimer Street. 
Foote iv: French, 7 Congress Street. 
Fuller & Co., C. E., 2 Stale Street. 
Gilbert, B. \V., 64 Devonshire Street. 
Gossler & Co., 70 State Street. 
Hall, F. H., 4 Post-office Square. 
Hawley & Co., F. A., 20 Water Street. 



Head & Co., Charles, 62 Devonshire Street. 

Head, C. D., & T. H. Perkins, 68 Devonshire St. 

Hecht, Lewis, 62 Congress Street. 

Hubbard Brothers & Co., 60 Devonshire Street. 

Kidder, Peabody, & Co., 40 State Street. 

Lawrence & Co., William F., 63 Federal Street. 

Lee, Higginson, & Co., 40 to 44 State Street. 

Lee & Hill, Thomas J., 60 State Street. 

Loud & Brother, T. J., 28 State Street, corner 

Devonshire, basement. 
Mixter, George, 45 Milk Street. 
Moors & Co., J. B., 35 Congress Street. 
Munroe & Co., John (N.Y.), 4 Post-office Square. 
Parker & Stackpole, 78 Devonshire Street. 
Putnam, Charles A., 60 State Street. 
Richardson, Hill, & Co., Simmons Building, 40 

Water Street, room i. [R., H., & Co. also deal 

in foreign exchange.] 
Rogers, Tower, Wood, & Co., 167 Congress Street. 
Sternberger, M. & S., 52 Devonshire Street. 
Stone & Downer, 28 State Street, basement. 
Sweet & Co., Charles A., 40 State Street, room 4. 

(See pages 264 and D.) 
Tower, Gfddings, & Co., 85 Devonshire Street. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 267 

The Savings Banks of America had their origin in this city. The first 
was The Provident Institution for Savings in the Town of Boston, chartered 
in 1816. To-day it has a larger amount of deposits than any similar insti- 
tution in this country, except one or two Savings Banks in New York. 
There are in Boston 16 savings banks, and a list of them is given on the 
preceding page. They are under the supervision of tlie commissioners of 
savings banks, an otifice created in 1866. Their investments and loans are 
restricted by law, and all their officers are sworn to the faithful perform- 
ance of their duties. The commissioners are empowered to e.xamine the 
banks at any time, and are obliged to do so at least once a year. The 
"stay law," passed in 1878, limits and restricts the payment of money to 
depositors, and was framed to provide against a " run " on the savings banks. 
Under tiiis law the commissioners, whenever tliey deem it expedient, can 
grant the bank authority to pay its depositors only such proportion of their 
deposits, and at such times, as the bank can pay without affecting its solvency 
or subjecting it to great loss. 

Safe-Deposit Vaults. — Boston is now amply provided with safe-deposit 
vaults ; t3ut there was nothing of the kind in the city ten years ago, when 
the attention of the public was first called to 

The Union Safe-Deposit Vaults, which had been constructed by Henry 
Lee, to afford absolute protection for all kinds of valuables against loss by 
fire or burglary. The vaults were built in the basement of the Union Build- 
ing, 40 State Street, and were of such a character, and had around them so 
many conveniences, that they excited the admiration and approval of the 
most competent judges. Henry Lee, of the banking-firm of Lee, Higgin- 
son, & Co., assumed the management, and George C. Lee was appointed sub- 
manager, positions that both have held ever since. The enterprise succeeded 
so well that other safe-deposit vaults have since been started. The Union 
Vaults remain in their original location, and improvements and precautions 
added from time to time render them as safe and as convenient as more 
recently constructed vaults. 

The Boston Safe-Deposit and Trust Company occupy the entire base- 
ment of the beautiful and fire-proof building of the New-England Mutual Life- 
insurance Company on Milk Street, corner of Congress Street. The vaults, 
built with the foundation of the building expressly for this company, cover 
nearly 3,000 square feet, and are the most massive in this country. Nothing 
is lacking to make them as safe, in every respect, as any vaults in the 
world. Safes in these vaults are rented at prices ranging from $10 to $150 
per year, and valuables of all kinds are received for safe-keeping. The 
Boston Safe-Deposit and Trust Co., as its name indicates, also has a trust 
department. It is empowered by its charter to act as trustee under wills in 



268 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

the same manner, and subject to the same control by the courts, as a legally 
qualified person. The State has made it a legal depositary of funds of 
executors, administrators, assignees, guardians, trustees, corporations, and 
individuals, and also of money and other property awaiting the action of 
courts. Though lately organized, quite a large business in both safe-deposit 
and trust departments has already been built up. The officers and directors 
comprise a number of the most highly-esteemed and wealthiest citizens of 
Boston. The president is Frederick M. Stone, the manager of the safe- 
deposit department Edward P. Bond, and the treasurer Frank C. Miles. 

The Equitable Safe-Deposit Vaults, in charge of J. Augustus Felt, vice- 
l^resident of the company, occupy the whole basement of the Equitable 
Building, corner of Milk and Devonshire Streets. 

The Boston Clearing-House Association, organized in 1856, is the sec- 
ond oldest organization of its kind in this country. The banks in former 
times were compelled to send messengers from one bank to another to 
collect and pay drafts and checks; and in so doing they were liable to 
incur great losses by the waylaying of messengers, and were put to con- 
siderable needless expense and trouble. Nowadays 51 banks send their 
"messengers" and "settling-clerks" at ten o'clock every morning to the 
third floor of the New-England National Bank building, 65 State Street, 
and there in a few minutes, without danger of loss, transact the whole 
business that would otherwise require several hours' time and considerable 
risk. The '"losing banks," as those are called which bring in a smaller 
amount of checks on other banks than other banks bring in on them, are 
required to pay before 12.15 o'clock the balances due by them; and the 
'■ gaining banks " come in after that time for the balances due them. There 
are also 23 banks located in the vicinity of Boston that make their clear- 
ances through members of the association. The great work that is accom- 
plished in a short time can be imagined when it is understood that about 
$7,000,000 change hands every day. The president is James H. Beal, and 
the manager is N. G. Snelling. 

The Boston Stock and Exchange Board is situated on Exchange Street, 
just off from State Street. It is a small hall, with a schoolroom look, hav- 
ing regular rows of desks from the president's platform and talkie. It is 
connected by telephone with the offices of members; and in the ante-room 
is a branch office of the Western Union Telegraph Company. The rooms 
will shortly be enlarged. There are about no members. Tlie membership- 
fee was formerly $2,000, but it is now $1,000. The transactions, which are 
those usual to stock boards, have within the past 18 months considerably 
increased in volume. The Board meets daily at 10.30 a.m. and at 2 p.m. 
Visitors can gain admission h\ application to the president M. R. Ballou, 
to the secretary F. A. Davis, or to any member. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 269 



IHarftets attti ISxdjangrs. 

THE MARKETS, TRADE EXCHANGES AND ASSOCIATIONS, AND 
STOCK-BOARD. 

THE first market in Boston, it is believed, stood on the site of the Old 
State House. It is mentioned in Winthrop's Journal as having been 
"set up by order of the court" in March, 1634. A hundred years later 
three markets were located by the town, — one in North Square, one m 
Dock Square, and the third on the site of the present Boylston Market. 
Three hundred pounds were appropriated for their erection. They were 
opened on the 4th of June, 1734; and the townspeople were greatly pleased 
with them. It was long the custom to ring a bell daily at sunrise to give 
notice of the opening of the markets for the day, and at one o'clock p.m., 
the hour of closing. The market in Dock Square was the most frequented. 
In 1736-7 the old market-house here was demolished by a mob, "disguised 
as clergymen ; " a contention having arisen among the people as to whether 
they would be served at their houses in the old way, or resort to fixed local- 
ities. By this summary method the question was for the time being settled. 
In 1740 Peter Faneuil proposed to build a market-house at his own expense 
on the town's land here in Dock Square ; his only condition being that the 
town should legally authorize it, enact proper regulations, and maintain it 
for the purposes named. Though this offer was courteously received, such 
was the division of opinion, that it was accepted by a majority of only seven 
votes out of the number voting. The building was completed in 1742, and 
destroyed by fire in 1761. In 1S19 a number of citizens erected what was 
known as the City Market, at the foot of Brattle Street, on the edge of 
Dock Square ; but the General Court refused to incorporate the proprietors, 
and the city subsequently reiected the offer of the market as a gift. 

The New Faneuil-Hall Market is the name given to the floor under 
Faneuil Hall, universally known as the "Cradle of Liberty." The building 
was erected by the city in 1762, to replace the market-house on the same 
site destroyed by fire the year previous. It was in 1805 enlarged to its 
present size. 100 by 80 feet. Faneuil Hall is 74 ft. 3 in. long by 75 ft. 3 in. 
wide, and has no seats on the main floor and only a few in the gallerv. It 
is used chiefly for political meetings or great public gatherings. "Webster 
replying to Hayne in the United States Senate, Jan. 26 and 27, 1830,-' a 
painting 16 by 30 feet, by Healy, and numerous portraits by various 



270 



A'/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



artists, adorn the walls of the hall. The hall is granted for such meetings 
as the city approves ; and, although no rent is charged, the expenses, amount- 
ing to $20 a dav and 525 a night, are paid by those using the hall. 




Faneu.l Hall arid Quincy Maiket, Merchants' Row. 

The Quincy Market. — The erection of Ouincy Market, — first called the 
Faneuil-Hall Market, and still officially known by that name though popu- 
larly called Ouincy, — and the extensive improvements about it, constituted 
the greatest enterprise of the kind that had ever been undertaken in Bos- 
ton. It was one of the many great improvements in the city due to the 
remarkable energy and enterprise of Josiah Ouincy, who, according to 
Drake, " invested the sluggish town with new life, and brought into practi- 
cal use a new watchword, Progress.''' At this time there was a row of vege- 
table sale-sheds on the north side of Faneuil Hall : and the neighboring 
streets were obstructed with market-wagons, while farmers were compelled 
to occupy with their stands Union Street nearly to Hanover, and Washing- 
ton almost to Court. Work on Mr. Ouincy's project began in 1824, the 
corner-stone of the new market laid in 1825, and the work finished in 1826. 
The market-house is of Ouincy granite, two stories high, 535 feet long, and 
covering 27,000 feet of land. The centre part, 74 by 55 feet on the ground, 
rises to the height of jj feet, and is surmounted by a fine dome. The wings 
in their entire extent are 30 feet high. Upon each end of the building is a 



KING'S HANDPOOK OF BOSTON. 



271 



portico with four columns, of the Grecian Doric style, each being one solid 
shaft of Ouincy granite. The first story is occupied by the market, having 
its stalls on each side of a grand corridor, through the entire length of the 
building. Above was once avast hall, called Ouincy Hall; and herewith 
Faneuil Hall, a bridge being thrown across the square, connecting the two, 
were long held the fairs of the Massachusetts Mechanics' Association. 
This hall is now divided into apartments, and occupied as warerooms. The 
market is certainly one of the most richly and extensively furnished mar- 
kets in the country. It cost, exclusive of the land, $150,000. In connec- 
tion with the work of building this market, six new streets were opened, 
and a seventh greatly enlarged, including 167,000 feet of land, and fiats, dock, 
and wharf rights obtained to the extent of 142,000 square feet. '-All this," 
we quote from Ouincy's History, "was accomplished in the centre of a pop- 
ulous city, not only without any tax, debt, or burden upon its pecuniary 
resources, but with large permanent additions to its real and productive 
property." The cost of the market, land, and street and other improve- 
ments, was $1,141,272. 

The Boylston Market, at the corner of Boylston and Washington Streets, 
when opened in 1810 was 
considered far out of town. 
It was named for Ward 
Nicholas Boylston, a great 
benefactor of Harvard Col- 
lege, which has named its 
chemical laboratory in his 
honor, and a descendant 
of Dr. Zabdiel Boylston, 
famous in the history of 
inoculation. Mr. Boylston 
presented the clock that 
now tells the time to pass- 
ers-by. Over the market 
is Boylston Hall, in whicli 
the organization of several 
churches has taken place, 
and a variety of musical, 
theatrical, and miscellane- 
ous entertainments have 
been held. It was leased 
for several years to the 
Handel and Haydn Society, and for many years it has been used by tlie pul)- 
lic schools for drill purposes. TJie building is owned by the Boylston Market 




Boylston Mdtket. Washington Street 



272 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

Association, of which John Ouincy Adams was the first president. The 
land was bought at 1^ cents a foot, and the building cost $20,000. In 1859 
an extension of 40 feet was made; and in 1870 the building was moved back 
from the street 1 1 feet, without the slightest disturbance to the occupants. 
The second story now contains the headquarters of the First Brigade, and 
the armories of companies K and C of the First Regiment. Jonathan 
P>ench is the president of the Boylston Market Association, and Hobart 
Moore the clerk. 

In 1852 the Blackstone Market, on Blackstone Street, and the Williams 
Market, on the corner of Washington and Dover Streets, were opened; and 
a few years before the Beach-street Market, in the building where the 
Dramatic Museum had a short career in 184S. At the present time, besides 
those already mentioned, there are the Washington Market, the farthest up- 
town market, established in 1870, in a spacious and attractive building 250 
feet long, situated No. 1883 Washington Street; the Tremont, at No. 923 
Tremont Street; the Suffolk, corner of Portland and Sudbury; the Central, 
No. 50 North ; the Globe, No. 42 North ; the St. Charles, Beach, corner of 
Lincoln; and the Union, 15 and 17 Washington Street. There is also, near 
Quincy Market, between Commercial and T Wharves, the Mercantile-wharf 
Market, popularly called the farmers' market, supplied by the vegetable- 
farmers of the near-by towns. There are small market-houses also in East 
Boston and South Boston. Of the market-houses, the city owns only 
Faneuil Hall and Ouincy, or as the two are designated in the official 
records : " Faneuil Hall and market under same ; Faneuil Hall Market- 
house and Ouincy Hall over same." 

The business exchanges of Boston are quite numerous, and are for the 
most part conducted on a broad and generous scale. Chief of them all 
is the 

Merchants' Exchange and Reading-Room, on State Street, conducted by 
the Boston Board of Trade, in the old Merchants' Exchange Building, where 
the last great conflict with the flames of the Great Fire of 1872 took place. 
The first Merchants' Exchange was established in 1842, when the present 
building was built. It occupied a fine hall, its ceiling supported by imita- 
tion Sienna marble columns, with Corinthian capitals, and a grand dome 
overhead filled with stained glass. Notwithstanding that this was well 
equipped and well managed, it met with indifferent success ; and some time 
before the Great Fire it gave way for the sub-treasury, which occupied the 
place until removed to its present quarters. When the Board of Trade took 
the matter in hand, its object was to establish an Exchange after the most 
approved plan, and on a par with the best and most complete in the country ; 
and its ambition was to grouj^ all the business exchanges of the city under 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



273 



one roof, with tlie Merchants' Exchange as the main gathering-place. 
The old building was extensively remodelled, and to some extent rebuilt, in- 
side ; and the new Merchants' Exchange and Reading-Room, as thoroughly 
equipped and as admirably arranged as any in the country, was opened to 
subscribers on Oct. i, 1S73. The main hall is 60 by 80 feet, and is well 
lighted by spacious windows and a monitor skylight. The floor is of dia- 
mond-shaped blocks of black and white marble alternately; a white mar- 
ble dado, four feet high, with black border, encircles the room ; and the 
ceiling is tastefully frescoed. Newspaper-racks are arranged along the 
hall's sides, one close to each of the fourteen pilasters ; and the room is jaro- 
vided with every possible convenience. The bulletin-boards record market 
quotations, promptly received, from all parts of the world; the shipping- 
news is bulletined as received by telegraph ; vessels arriving are immediately 
registered ; sales of stocks 
and other securities are 
chronicled ; every change 
of wind is noted on a dial 
marked with points of the 
compass and connected 
with a large weather-vane 
on the roof of the building 
and a variety of other in 
formation of moment and 
value to merchants is here 
given. In the rear of the 
main hall is a large retiring 
room, richly and comforta 
bly furnished, with sump 
tuous-looking heavy ma- 
hogany morocco-covered chairs and lounges. Here are held the meetings 
of the Board of Trade. Admittance to the Merchants' Exchange and its 
privileges is given only to subscribers. These numbered in 187S about 
1,100, a falling-of¥ of nearly 500 since the establishment of the rooms. This 
is accounted for by the hard times, failures, changes, and death; and also 
the establishment of so many independent trade associations, the hope of 
gathering all organizations in one place not being realized. The cost of 
maintaining the establishment in 1878 was about $35,000. The president 
is Rufus S. Frost, and the secretary and superintendent is Cornelius G. 
Attwood. The Merchants' Exchange Building was built and is owned by 
a stock corporation under the name of the Merchants' Exchange Building 
Company. It cost, without the land, $175,000. Its front is of Quincy granite. 
On the same floor as the main hall of the Exchanj^e is George O. Car- 




The Merchanti' Exchange, S:a;.; Sir 



2 74 K/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

penter's insurance-office, fronting on State Street. This agency represents 
the Germania Fire Insurance Company of New York, the American Central 
of St. Louis, the Western Assurance of Toronto, the Citizens' of St. Louis, 
and the St. Paul Fire and Marine of St. Paul. Mr. Carpenter's agency, estab- 
lished in the present office in 1872, is ranked among the best in the city, 
and his extensive business is equalled by few agencies in Boston. 

The Boston Commercial Exchange occupies a spacious hall in the Board 
of Trade Building, which is reached through the Merchants' Exchange, and 
by short flights of marble steps at the rear. It is provided with sample- 
tables, large blackboards for quotations, a case of " standards " for the 
different grades of flour and grain, — which standards are established with 
great care, and approved by a majority of the members of the Exchange, — 
books for the record of daily receipts of flour and grain, etc. The "change" 
hour is from 12 M. to i^ P.M. every business day; and business is limited to 
the sale or purchase of flour or grain and other produce, at wholesale, for 
cash on delivery unless otherwise provided for. In 1877 a call-board was 
established. The call begins each business clay at 12.45 p.m., and continues 
half an hour, when trade ceases at the sound of the gong. Important com- 
mittees are those on insjoection, one on flour, and one on grain. They act 
as umpires to settle all cases of dispute as to the grade, soundness, etc., of 
the articles under their supervision. The Commercial Exchange was 
formerly the Corn Exchange, which was established in 1855, but not incor- 
porated until 1868. In 1 87 1 the present name was adopted, that the title 
might be broad enough to include other interests. At about this time lead- 
ing provision, fish, and salt dealers joined the organization. Subsequently, 
however, the latter gradually withdrew : and now interests other than flour 
and grain are rarely represented in the Exchange. The membership in 
1878 was 244. 

The Boston Produce Exchange is on the floor over the Ouincy Market, 
in a spacious and lofty hall, directly under the dome of the building. This 
is an organization of recent date. It was organized in January, 1877. It 
includes the leading firms in the produce business, which is a large interest 
in Boston; the provision men, some of whom had been members of the 
Commercial Exchange ; and a fair representation of other interests, such as 
the butter and cheese, fresh fish, etc. The " change " hour is from i to 2 
P.M. It reports a promising first year. 

The Boston Fish Bureau is tiie name of the fish-dealers' exchange, at 
No. 180 Atlantic Avenue, at the foot of Commerce Street. This is open 
daily, and is frequented by the most active men in the business. The fish- 
market of Boston continues to hold the leading position as the largest 
fish-market in the country; and it is one of the most important interests of 
Eastern New England. 



A'ING\S HANDBOOK' OF BOSTO/V. 



275 



The Shoe-and-Leather Exchange is in the lower story of the building 
on the site of " Church Cireen," at the junction of Summer and Bedford 
Streets, convenient to all parts of the leather-district. It was established 
by the New-England Shoe-and-Leather Manufacturers' and Dealers' Asso- 
ciation, incorporated in 1871 "for the purpose of promoting the general wel- 
fare of the hide and-leather and boot-and-shoe interests of New England." 
The present quarters were occupied in March, 1877. Before that time, and 
since the Great Fire in 1872, the Exchange has occupied several places, 
none of which was altogether satisfactory; and the manufacturers and 
dealers were divided into two parties, — one desiring the general exchange 
located on Hanover Street, near the American House, which had long been 
the headquarters of the shoe-and-leather men : and the other advocating its 
establishment nearer the recognized leather-district of the business portion 
of the citv. When at length the present rooms were opened, the advantages 
presented by them were so great that they were soon accepted as the princi- 
pal headquarters of the trade. The main room is large, well lighted, and 
well equipped. It has ample side and retiring rooms, private and public 
offices, and a telegraph-office. A daily register is kept of the arrival of 
out-of-town dealers, and trade-reports are conspicuously bulletined. A great 
advantage to the members of the trade, who enjoy the privileges of the 
Exchange, is the information furnished by the Bureau of Credits, and the 
Bureau of Debts and Debtors, two important departments of the Shoe-and- 
Leather Association. The Bureau of Credits keeps books of ratings of 
the commercial standing of persons and firms dealing in hides, leather, 
boots and shoes, and findings, not only in New England, but in all parts 
of the country; and these lists are constantlv revised. The Bureau of 
Debts and Debtors investigates any case of mercantile failure in the trade 
reported to it by a creditor, recommends, and, in an emergency, takes, 
such action as in its judgment will promote the interests of the creditor. 
The Exchange is open daily during business-hours for the convenience and 
profit of the subscribers ; and on market-days, Wednesdays and Saturdays 
of each week, from 12 m. to 2^ p.m., the '' change " hour, the place is crowded 
with men of the trade. The officers of the Shoe-and-Leather Association 
manage the Exchange ; Charles A. Grinnell is the president, and Charles S. 
Ingalls the secretary and general superintendent. Originally the trade had 
its headquarters at Wilde's Hotel on Elm Street, and subsequently at the 
American House on Hanover .Street. Before the Great Fire there was a 
much-frequented Shoe-and-Leather Exchange on Pearl Street. 

The New-England Furniture Exchange is situated at 27 Washington 
Street, not far from Haymarket .Scjuare. Its membership includes the prin- 
cipal manufacturers and dealers in furniture and kindred articles in New 
England; and its object is mutual protection and assistance in business. 



276 A'/NG'S HANDBOOK OF B0S7VN. 

It does not attempt to control prices ; but it exerts an influence in the mat- 
ter of the length and condition of credits, and the rate of cash discounts. 
Like the Shoe-and-Leather Exchange, it has a record of credits ; and being 
in direct communication with tlie furniture exchanges in other cities, and 
working in harmony with them, under a plan adopted by the national con- 
vention of furniture-men held in New York in February, 1878, it obtains 
prompt information regarding the financial standing of firms and traders in 
all parts of the country, while it aids materially in protecting creditors and 
debtors from disastrous consequences of failures of incompetent and dis- 
honest dealers. This exchange manages, in the combination of the furniture 
exchanges of the country, what is known as "The Boston Section," which 
embraces the trade in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, 
Rhode Island, that part of Connecticut east of the Connecticut River, and 
the Provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ouebec. The admis- 
sion-fee of members is $25, and the quarterly assessment $6. 

The Lumber-Dealers' Association was formed in 1869, to bring about 
" united action, perfect harmony, and mutual understanding among lumber- 
dealers." It numbers about 50 active members, resident in Boston and 
vicinity, and meets monthly during the winter. Its president is J. Otis 
Wetherbec, and its secretary Waldo H. Stearns. 

The Mechanics' Exchange, which now occupies large and finely fitted up 
rooms at 33 and 35 Hawley Street, was started as a private enterprise in 
1857, and was conducted for some time by Smith Nichols. It first occupied 
rooms at the corner of State and Devonshire Streets, and at various peri- 
ods has since been located on the opposite side of State Street and at 17 
Court Street. It removed to its present quarters in 1S77. About ten years 
ago the Exchange was re-organized, and its management was placed in the 
hands of a board of officers chosen by the members. A yearly assess- 
ment of $25 is paid by each firm belonging to the institution ; the members 
chiefly are master-mechanics connected with the various building-trades. 
The membership is now about 375, and is constantly increasing. The Ex- 
change is open in summer from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and in winter from 8 to 5. 
The busiest hour is between 12 m. and i p.m. Then the rooms are crowded 
by the members, who meet to form plans, compare views, make contracts 
and bargains, pay bills, and transact other business. Many members have 
no other headquarters than the Exchange, and have special boxes here for 
their papers and correspondence. The operations of the members are not 
confined to the city; and large contracts are taken for all parts of the coun- 
try, including New England, New York, and the West. The building oper- 
ations of Boston for 1876 amounted to about $8,000,000, and the greater 
amount of these were carried on by members of the Exchange. The pres- 
ident of the Exchange is T. J. Whidden, and the superintendent George 
B. Chadbourne. 



K/A'G'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTOiV. 



277 



The Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association \\as founded in 
1795, and incorporated in 1806. Its annual income is employed to relieve 
the distresses of unfortunate mechanics and their families, to promote 
inventions and improvements in the mechanic arts by granting premiums 
for inventions and improvements, to assist young mechanics with loans of 
money, and to establish schools and libraries for the use of apprentices and 
the improvement of the arts. The association awards certificates to appren- 
tices, who, on arriving at 21 years of age, bring testimonials from the per- 
sons with whom they served, showing that they have behaved with fidelity 
and attention, and have not violated any agreement made by them. Every 




Mj .ijle Mechanic Association building, Chauncy Street. 

tiiird year the association holds a special meeting called the "Triennial 
Festival." At irregular intervals, averaging every three years, it holds a 
public exhibition, popularly called the " Mechanics' Fair." For many years 
these fairs were held in the hall over Ouincy Market and Faneuil Hall, the 
two being connected by a bridge stretched across the street. In 1878 a 
temporary building for its fair was erected on Park Square, Columbus 
Avenue, and Pleasant .Street. The fair lasted two months, during Septem- 
ber and October, and was the most successful one yet held. The attend- 
ance was nearly 300,000; the number of exhibitors, 1,250: the receipts, 
$110,000; the expenditures, $75,000. The awards included 60 gold medals, 
230 silver medals, 250 bronze medals, and 440 diplomas. In i860 the asso- 
ciation erected the fine dark freestone building, in the Italian Renaissance 



278 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

style, on the north-west corner of Chauncy and Bedford Streets, at a cost, 
inckiding the land, of $320,000. On the upper floors is the large Mechanics' 
Hall, used for the meetings of the association, and rented for musical, lit- 
erary, and other entertainments. Among the early presidents were Paul 
Revere, who served 4 years ; Jonathan Hunnewell, 9 years ; and Benjamin 
Russell, 14 years. The officers for 1878 are J. F. Paul president, Charles 
W. Slack vice-president, and Joseph L. Bates secretary. 

The Boston Marine Society is one of the oldest organizations in Boston. 
It was instituted in 1742 under the name of the Fellowship Club, and 
was incorporated in 1754. Its active members are masters of vessels; and 
its honorary members are owners of vessels, merchants, and others. It 
aims to improve the knowledge of this coast by having its various members 
communicate in writing their observations on their inward and outward 
trips, of the variation of the needle, the soundings, courses, and distances, 
and all remarkable things about the coast ; also to relieve one another and 
their families in poverty or other adverse accidents in life. The society 
has a fund of about $115,000. Its grants to indigent members and their 
families in the past 78 years amount to $210,976, of which $105,025 was 
granted during the past 18 years. The president is Henry Barber, and the 
secretary Henry Howard. The society occupies Room 13 in the Merchants' 
Exchange building. 

The Boston Board of Marine Underwriters was organized in 1850. Its 
object is to obtain such benefit as may be derived from consultations on 
measures of general interest, and from concerted action where such action 
is likely to promote the interests of its members, who comprise almost 
exclusively the Boston insurance companies doing marine business. It 
has agents in all parts of the world, from whom is constantly received 
information regarding vessels in trouble. The inspectors of the board 
inspect and rate all vessels that arrive at this p'ort. This board also makes 
the tariff of charges for marine insurance. The Board has its office in the 
Merchants' Exchange Building. Isaac Sweetser is president, and George 
H. Folger secretary. ' 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 279 



^|)f Businrss 1i?ousrs. 

PROMINENT AND INTERESTING MERCANTILE AND MANU- 
FACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS. 

THE interesting features of T>oston shown in the previous cliapters. and 
many that v.'ere necessarily left unmentioned. are due chiefly to the 
liberality and culture of the business-men from whom is obtained the money 
required to carry to completion all material improvements. It is true that 
many professional men give money to aid great works : but it will be found, 
if traced back sufficiently, that this money was earned by them, directly or 
indirectly, from the business-men. This fact alone would justify sketches 
of corporations and individuals who have acquired success in the honorable 
management of their various pursuits ; but to this can be added the state- 
ment, that many of the most interesting features of the city are in the 
factories and warehouses where ^le necessities and luxuries of life are made 
and sokl. 

If we think of the wares of the merchants, and also of the productive 
and commercial agencies employed to place them at the disposal of the 
people, we certainly will grant that the shops of a great city are among 
the most suggestive subjects for reflection. In a book of this class, making 
no claims to be a "citv directory,"' there is but little space in which to notice 
the thousands of mercantile and manufacturing firms ; and this space must 
be given to only a few of those owning establishments of a prominent char- 
acter or of great public interest. The business-structures include manv of 
the finest specimens of architecture in the city. The stores contain displays 
of goods, that, placed in museums or exhibition-rooms, would make attractive 
and exceedingly valuable collections as works of art. In the manufactories, 
so often overlooked and so seldom looked over by resident or visitor, are to 
be seen some of the greatest exhibitions of skill and ingenuity, as well as 
some of the most interesting subjects. It is particularly appropriate to 
begin our sketches with that of a house uniting specially noteworthy architec- 
tural, commercial, and manufacturing features. We refer, of course, to 

Macullar, Parker, & Company's great clothing-manufactory and piece-goods 
warehouse, one of the most successful and best-known establishments in 
New England, and one that has maintained its prominent and honorable 
position for more than a quarter of a century. For nearly twenty years 
(until 1879) the firm was known as Macullar, Williams, & Parker.^ Beginning 

' George P.. Williams withdrew from the firm in April, iSyy. 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



in Boston in 1852 as wholesale dealers in ready-made clothing, they opened 
a store on Ann Street, which was then the chief and central location for 
that branch of trade. The panic of 1857 induced the young firm to attempt 
the sale at retail of the stock they were then carrying. It was hoped 
that relief from the general financial pressure might be secured in this 
way. For this purpose they took a store in the old Washington Coffee 
House building on Washington Street. The experiment was successful. 
It was the means of introducing to general notice a much better grade 

of ready-made clothing than 
that ordinarily sold, and gave 
character and reputation to 
the new store, by showing that 
a genuine substitute for cus- 
tom clothing was undoubtedly 
within the range of possibili- 
ties. Nor was this the only 
change effected by the experi- 
ment. The firm were encour- 
aged by their great success in 
this venture to embark perma- 
nently in the retail business ; 
t and their working force, now 
largely increased, was employ- 
ed mainly in the production 
of goods required by the best 
class of retail trade. The 
manufacture of white vests for 
the wholesale market was, 
however, continued : and the 
services of forty operatives 
]'Ii£^_' were required the year round 
to meet a demand which has 
never been limited to this 

Macullar, Parker, &c Company, Washington Street , _ 

country, — • orders for these 
goods being often received from abroad. In 1S60 they removed to the 
store formerly occupied by George W. Warren & Co., at 192 Washington 
Street; and in 1864 they took possession of the elegant building which 
had been specially erected for them by the trustees of the Sears estate. 
Thus far their progress had been without interruption. Their enterprise 
and perseverance had gradually developed an immense business. They 
had added a department for making clothing to order, and were also largely 
engaged in other branches of the trade. Tlie importation and jobbing of 




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A'/iVG\S HANDBOOK' OF BOSTON. 281 

woollens and tailors' trimmings brought them correspondents from almost all 
the other States. As manufacturers, they had fairly earned the reputation 
of producing the best goods in their line that were made in the world. 

An interruption finally came in an unexpected form. The great fire of 
Nov. 9, 1S72, reached their store in its westerly progress, and destroyed it, but 
did not advance farther in that direction. The beautiful white-marble facade, 
bearing the name of the firm, did not fall, but remained intact in its position 
until taken down by the workmen, — a picturesque and striking monument of 
the great disaster, and presenting such a contrast to the blackness and deso- 
lation of the surrounding ruins, that it became a conspicuous object of inter- 
est to all visitors. The lower part of this front, as it appeared a few days 
after the fire, is represented by the middle section of the picture on page 15. 

The check to business caused by the fire was only temporary. No time 
was lost in providing and fitting up premises for manufacturing ; and the 
most liberal provision was made for the operatives, so that there were no 
cases of individual suffering within the few days before work was resumed. 
A salesroom was opened at No. 33 Washington Street, and was occupied 
until a new store, similar to the one destroyed, was erected on the old 
site. Of this new building we have not space to give a full description. A 
few lines must suffice. It is at once grand in its proportions, simple and 
graceful in its architectural beauty, and admirably adapted to the purposes 
of the firm. It extends through from Washington Street to Hawley 
Street, but no view from either frontage can give an adequate idea of its 
dimensions. The sectional engraving herewith presented partially illus- 
trates what is being daily performed on its acre and a half of flooring by 
the five hundred and fifty salesmen, bookkeepers, and operatives, who find 
constant employment in the different departments. Two sales and exhibi- 
tion rooms contain an area of 11,000 square feet each. Other apartments, 
to the number of three or four, are larger than ordinary town-halls. Every 
thing is fireproof, so far as human precaution can avail. All the appoint- 
ments of the shops are on a generous scale, and specially adapted to secure 
the health and comfort of the employes therein. No signs of imperfect ven- 
tilation can be detected. The air is as pure, and the abundant light strikes 
as advantageously, as within any four walls in the city. A natural well on 
the premises supplies thousands of gallons daily of the purest water, in 
addition to the Cochituate. 

The firm of Macullar, Parker, & Company now consists of six mem- 
bers, — four gentlemen having been advanced at various times from posi- 
tions in the different departments to take their places in the copartnership. 

The Boston Belting Company, incorporated in 1845, is the oldest com- 
pany, and has the largest works, in the world, devoted to the manufacture of 
rubber goods for mechanical and manufacturing purposes. Its paid-up 



28: 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



capital is $700,000. Its factory buildings, worthy of a careful examination, 
cover two acres, and are supplied with one engine of 200 horse-power, two 
of 150 liorse-]Jower each, and two smaller engines. They are situated on 
Tremont, Clay, and Elmwood Streets. Iloston Highlands, nearly opposite 
the Ko.xbury station of the Boston and Providence Railroad. The company 
employ 200 men, and use annually 3,000,000 pounds of raw material, an 
average of five tons daily. The i^oston Belting Company control" the James 
B. Forsyth patents, and therefore have the exclusive right to line cotton 
and linen hose with rubber; and the sole right to manufacture rubber- 
covered rolls used in print-works, bleacheries, cotton, woollen, paper, and 
tobacco mills, and for leather-splitting machines, clothes-wringers, and other 




Boston Belting Company's Works, Elmwood Street, Boston Highlands. 

purposes. They also OAvn the right to manufacture ])atcnt-stretched. smooth- 
surface belting, which makes the best belt for all purposes. Among other 
articles made of rubber by this company are steam-packing, deckle-straps, 
blankets for printers, valves, stopples, and hose of all kinds and for all 
uses. The cotton and linen hose lined with rubber, and the tire-engine hose 
made by alternate layers of rubber and cotton, excel every other make for 
service and efficiency, and are in great demand by the tire-departments 
throughout the United States. To give some idea of the extent of the 
magnitude of their work, it can be said that one 5-ply belt, made recently, 
was 260 feet long and 4 feet wide. It required 578 yards of heavy canvas, 
weighing 1,107 pounds. The aggregate weight of the belt was i^^ tons- 
Millions of feet of liose and belting are made annually at these works; and 



KING'S HANDLWOK OF BOSTON. 283 

a single order for 200,000 or 300,000 feet is not unusual. Its sales of manu- 
factured goods are made in all the principal markets of the world, and 
amount to $2,000,000 annually. The company was awarded the highest 
prizes, gold and silver medals, for new and superior goods, at the Mechan- 
ics' Fair in Boston, in 1878. The present officers of the company are 
Henry F. Durant president, E. S. Converse treasurer, William H. Furber 
manager, and James B. Forsyth manufacturing agent. The salesrooms, a 
view of which is shown in the Albertype illustration of the Forbes Litho- 
graphing Establishment, are at Nos. 189 to 195 Devonshire Street, and 
Nos. 52 to 56 Arch Street. 

The Boston Rubber-Shoe Company, incorporated in 1853, operates one 
of the largest manufactories in the vicinity of Boston. The buildings have 
a floor-surface of 4 acres, and were rebuilt in 1876 expressly for the work 
now carried on. They have facilities and room for 1,000 workmen, and 
to-day about 800 men 
and women are com- 
fortably at work in 
them. The process of 
making fine boots, 
shoes, and clothing. 
out of the unsightly 
and odorous little bits 






of crude rubber is ^f^&mt"--^ ^ # ^"-^-,2., 

quite interesting, and ^^^ f .^^^--^ 

well worth seeing. ~ 

. . Boston Rubber-Shoe Company's Works, Maiden. 

The mam structure is 

of brick, 4 stories high, and quadrangular in shape, enclosing a large yard. 
All rooms are the width of the building, and have windows on two sides. 
On the first floor is the office, waiting-room, and grinding-department, where 
the rubber is prepared for cutting. On the second floor the boot making and 
packing is carried on. On the third floor are the shoe making and cutting 
departments. On the fourth floor is the clothing department. In a two- 
story brick extension on the south end are the machine and carpenter shops 
on the first floor, and the large heating-ovens for vulcanizing purposes on 
the second floor. In a three-story brick building east of the main structure, 
crude and purified rubber in immense quantities are stored and dried. In a 
building in the yard, varnish used in the factory is made. On the north end 
of the main building is the engine and boiler house, containing twelve large 
boilers, ten of which were made by the Whittier Machine Company, one Har- 
ris-Corliss 300-horse-power engine, and one Corliss 450-horse-power engine. 
Some idea of the great value of rubber can be had, when it is said this 
factory alone is making 10,000 pairs of rubber boots and shoes each day. 



284 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

and has facilities for making nearly 5,000,000 a year. At this establishment 
20 tons of coal a day are consumed. The works are at Maiden, 4 miles 
from Boston, on the Boston and Maine Railroad. The office and ware- 
rooms in Boston are at 195 Congress Street, occupying the whole of a large 
four-story stone-front building. The company have a cash capital of 
$500,000. The president is J. W. Converse ; the treasurer and general 
agent is E. S. Converse, who is also treasurer of the Boston Belting Com- 
pany described heretofore : and the superintendent of the works is E. F. 
Bickford. 

The South-Boston Iron Company succeeded Cyrus Alger, the famous 
metallurgist and distinguished inventor. Mr. Alger's inventions were numer- 
ous, and some of them of great value. He purified cast-iron so as to give 
it triple strength, and first introduced the method of making cast-iron chilled 
rolls, by which the part subject to wear is hard, while the necks remain 
unchanged in hardness and strength. He also improved the construction 
of reverberatory furnaces, and constructed the first perfect bronze cannon 
for the United States Ordnance Department and for the State of Massa- 
chusetts. Mr. Alger went to South Boston in 1809; and the South-Boston 
Iron Works, of which he was the founder, practically date from that time, 
although not incorporated until 1827. The works, covering nearly seven 
acres, hav^e been enlarged from time to time, and are now the most extensive 
of their kind in America. A visit to the several buildings would prove quite 
interesting. The foundry is the largest in New England. In it iron cast- 
ings weighing as much as 100 tons, or bronze castings of 10 tons, can be 
made. The gun-shop is used for the manufacture of the very heaviest and 
most powerful ordnance and projectiles. One gun, in the rough, weighed 
87 tons, and, when finished, 45 tons. The machine-shop is thoroughly 
equipped for the heaviest general machine and hydraulic work. The 
pattern-shop is the storage and finishing room for patterns used in these 
wcfrks, and by machinists elsewhere. The boiler-shop, where the huge 
boilers for steamships and other purposes are made, is the largest in the 
vicinity of Boston. Some specialties of this concern are cast-iron guaran- 
teed 30,000 pounds to the square inch, more than twice the strength of 
ordinary cast-iron, and gearing made under special patents. These works 
were to a great extent the means of building up South Boston. They have 
conveniences and room for giving employment at night and day to 1,200 
men, and have frequently given employment to 800. They are one of the 
great sources from which the United States government obtains its ord- 
nance and projectiles. The president of the Company, William P. Hunt, 
has already been mentioned as president of both the Atlas National Bank 
and the Forbes Lithograph Manufacturing Establishment. The manager 
of the works is John B. Pearse. 



i 




SOUTH BOSTON IRON GO'S WORKS, 
SOUTH BOSTON, 



Mill. r. Hunt . ,"//s! //j/i/ J/r/i^ 



lirtic W;il.']- Slivrl 



AVNG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTOA'. 285 

The Whittier Machine Co., incorporated in 1874, succeeded to the busi- 
ness of Campbell, Whiuier, & Co., which began 33 j-ears ago. The works 
cover an acre of ground fronting on Tremont Street, and extending to 
Hampshire Street. The main building is of brick, 190 by 37 feet, and two 
stories high. Off from the main building is the blacksmith-shop, 55 by 33 
feet ; and in an adjoining room is a 25-horse-power engine that operates tlie 
machinery. On the south side of the main building is the boiler-factory, 
100 by 50 feet, containing a powerful steam riveter. At tlie easterly end 
of the yard is a two-story warehouse building, used parti)- for stables. At 
this estabjishment, giving employment to 100 or more persons in all season.*^ 
the whole work in wood, iron, or other materials, necessary to build and put 
up elevators, steam-engines, and boilers, is done. This company, as well as 
some others already noticed, secure competent and trustworthy mechanics, 
train them to their style of work, and then give them constant employment : 
some of their workmen having already passed their 25th year in these 
works. The great specialty of the Whittier Machine Company is the 
manufacture of steam and hvdraulic elevators. In connection with these 
they own patents covering recent and valuable improvements, one of which 
allows the combination of a double screw with a single winding-drum, with- 
out the loss of any of the safeguards usual to similar machinery. Another 
improvement is the lever arrangement, by which the slackening of the 
hoisting-rope from any cause checks the motion of the winding-drum, and 
locks the elevator-car until the rope is properly adjusted. Still another 
consists of using the eccentric-sheave for equalizing the strain on the 
hoisting-ropes, and retaining the hold on the same in case of the breakage 
of either. Their elevator-cars are used so often by thousands of people, 
that the name of the Whittier Machine Co. is quite familiar to the people of 
Boston, New York, and other large cities. Many buildings noticed in this 
book have the Whittier elevators, some of which were made under the 
patents of M. Hanford, the engineer of the company. Among the buildings 
referred to are those of the United States Post-office, the Mutual Life-in- 
surance Company, the New-England Mutual Life-insurance Company, the 
Equitable Life-Assurance -Society, the Parker House, the Hotel Brunswick, 
the Hotel Bovlston, the Hotel Pelham, the Evans House, the Maverick 
National Bank, the First National Bank, the Merchants' National Bank, 
Merchants' Exchange, and the Massachusetts Normal Art School. This 
company was awarded a gold medal for hydraulic elevators, a gold medal 
lor steam elevators, and a silver medal for steam boilers, at the Mechanics' 
Fair in 1878. The works are numbered 11 76 Tremont Street: the office of 
the company is in the New-England Mutual Life-insurance Company's 
i)uilding, at 91 Milk .Street. The president is Charles Whittier. who 20 years 
ago became connected with the firm of Campbell, Whittier, & Co., men- 
tioned above; the treasurer is A. C. Whittier. 



286 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 














Abram French & Co. are among the very largest importers and dis- 
tributors of crockery, china, and glassware in this country. They 
occupy a building shaped like the vertical section of a liberty-cap, situated 
at the corner of Franklin and Devonshire Streets. This building, the first 
one completed after the great fire, has four floors and a basement, containing 
a total floor-surface of 45,000 square feet. In consequence of numerous 
.^,^__,_^_^, __ large windows on almost 

every side, the display-room 
is unsurpassed by that of 
anv firm in this trade in 
the world. The stock com- 
prises every thing found in 
crockery, china, and glass- 
ware establishments, and 
includes direct importa- 
tions from the potteries of 
all countries. Manv of 
. J these wares are well worth 
'^4^' seeing as specimens of high 
art. The business, that 
lona: ago assumed large 
^SS proportions, was started in 
1822 by Andrew T. Hall & 
Co., who were succeeded 
by French, Wells, & Co., and they in turn by Abram French & Co. Al- 
though burned out in 1862, the firm escaped the great fire in 1872. Since 
1870 a Western branch has been carried on in Chicago. 

The Nonotuck Silk Company, although its works are about 100 miles 
away from this city, can be classed among the Boston firms. The products 
of the company, consisting of black and colored machine-twist, buttonhole- 
twist, and embroidery and sewing silk, are kept and handled in very large 
quantities in Boston. The warerooms, at No. 18 Summer Street, in the 
four-story sandstone-front building, are extensively and admirably fitted up. 
Here can be seen about 500,000 spools, or about 2,500 pounds, of machine- 
twist and sewing-silk. The Nonotuck Company, established forty years 
ago, has a remarkable history. It was the first company in the world to 
manufacture machine-twist. Its works at Florence and Leeds have a floor- 
surface of 60,000 square feet, give employment to about 600 operatives, and 
consume more than 1,000,000 pounds of raw silk each year. Their produc- 
tion of sewing-silk and machine-twist is about double that of any other 
works. The aggregate length of finished silk from their works exceeds 
2,000 miles per day, or more than enough to encircle the globe once every 



Abram French ic Co., Franklin, corner ot Devonsnire Street. 



K/A^G'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTOiV. 



287 



two weeks. The Nonotuck silk and twist are sold under the trade-mark 
names of "Nonotuck" (the early Indian word for Northampton), " Corti- 
celli," '• Bartolini," and " Clark's Pure Dye.'' These brands have received 
medals at Philadelphia in 1876, and at Paris in 187S, besides hundreds of 
first premiums at State and county fairs and industrial exhibitions. The 
agency for the New-England States is under the charge of George D. 
Atkins, who has been connected with the Nonotuck Company for the past 
sixteen years. 

Fairbanks, Brown, & Co. represent E. & T. Fairbanks & Co. of St. 
Johnsbury, \'t., the world-famous scale-makers. The business of the 
Messrs. Fairbanks began in 1825, and now gives employment to about 

1,000 men. The workshops at r- , 

St. Johnsbury are solidly built of 
brick, and have a floor-area of 
6k acres. The corporation own 
93 tenement-houses, a saw-mill, 
and 6,000 acres of timber-land, 
all connected with the works. 
4,000 tons of coal, 5,000 tons of 
iron, and 2,000,000 feet of lum- 
ber, are yearly consumed. The 
annual freightage is 20,000 tons -. 
and the annual product of this 
factory is 40,000 to 50,000 scales, [f 
of every style, size, and value. 
The quality of these scales is 
unequalled by any in the world. 
The firm has twenty-eight busi- 
ness depots in this countrv, a 
large establishment in London, 
and branches all over the world. 
In 1877 a large five-story, flat- 




&c Co., Milk and Congress STreeis. 



roof warehouse was erected for the Boston branch, at 83 Milk Street, front- 
ing Post-office Square. Tlie fronts, 27 feet on Milk .Street and 95 feet on 
Congress Street, are of light Ohio sandstone. The building, in appearance, 
is characteristic of the solid concern that occupies it ; and the architect, 
Nathaniel J. Bradlee, fully considering the n^eds of the business, adapted 
the building to them. The building is in one of the very best locations, and 
is surrounded by the new Post-office and the buildings of the New-England 
Life, the Mutual Life, and the Equitable Life Insurance Companies de- 
scribed heretofore. The lower floors contain a beautiful display of Fair- 
banks scales, and also type-writers, for which this firm has the exclusive 
sale the world over. 



288 



A'/NG'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



Jones, McDuffee, & Stratton, one of the most reliable firms in the 
Unite d States, whose customers are found not only throughout all New 

England, but also 
throughout the 
whole country west 
of the Hudson, are 
direct importers of 
pottery, porcelain, 
and glassware from 
all original sources, 
— Japan, China, 
and European 
countries. The 

immense stock of 
goods is of all 
grades, from the 
commonest to the 
li n e s t war e s. 
There are few 
places in Boston 
wliere a visitor can 
spend time more 
satisfactorily than 
among the thou- 
sands of specimens 
of tine art displayed 
in this establish- 
ment. The large 
Nova Scotia free- 
stone building, 
erected by the late 
Gardner Brewer, 




Jones, McDuffee, Si Stratton, Franklin and Federal Streets. 



situated on the corner of P>anklin and Federal Streets, is wholly occu- 
pied by this firm. The business was established in 1810 by the father of 
ex-mayor Otis Norcross, and for nearly seventy years has been an unin- 
terrupted success. 

The New- York and Boston Despatch Express Company, incorporated 
in 1873, is an independent opposition express company. It brought about 
such a reduction in rates, and has transacted its business so satisfactorily, 
that it has secured the good-will and patronage of many of the heaviest ship- 
pers. Its quarters have been enlarged several times ; and in 1878 the Boston 
office was removed to 222 and 224 Devonshire Street, where the company 



A'/NG'S HANDROOK OF BOSTON. 289 

occupy the large first floor and basements of the Cathedral Building, so 
called from the fact that the Catholic cathedral stood on this site. It is a 
beautiful iron-front structure, and was bequeathed to the Boston Univ^ersity 
by the late Isaac Rich. In the same rooms are the offices of nearly one hun- 
dred express companies, including Earle &: Prew's well-known Boston and 
Providence Express. Goods received from New York at this union office 
therefore have the advantage of immediate trans-shipment to the local ex- 
presses leaving by next trains after arrival of such goods to the many points 
in all northern and eastern New England. The New-York and Boston De- 
spatch Express Company carry goods direct to and from New York, Boston, 
and places west and south, especially those on the line of the Erie, the Dela- 
ware and Lackawanna, and the Philadelphia and Reading Railroads. Its mes- 
sengers go to all points on the line between New York and Boston, including 
Middleborough, Fall River, and Newport, and to all places on Cape Cod, 
The handsome rooms of the company present at all hours of the day evi- 
dence of the celerity and regularity with which express matter can be handled 
under a system that admits of small opportunity for detention or mistake. 
The New- York offices are at Nos. 304-306 Canal Street and 57-59 Lespe- 
nard Street. Henry C. Sherburne is the president, and Edward A. Taft is 
the treasurer and general manager. 

D. P. Ilsley & Co., 385 Washington Street, is one of those firms that are 
indispensable in every large city. People desire changes, every now and 
then, in what they wear; and, consequently, there must be experts who 
understand what will satisfy the public taste at each new turn. Necessarily 
some firms cater exclusively to the buyers of cheap goods ; and there are 
others whose patrons demand the best quality, the most exquisite taste, or 
both combined. Among the latter class of firms can justly be ranked D. P. 
Ilsley & Co., who for the past 13 years have done a great work in bringing 
before the people of Boston all that the most cultured taste or most com- 
petent judges could wish for, in hats, caps, furs, umbrellas, canes, and 
articles belonging to a stock of this kind. The senior member has had a 
constant experience of nearly 30 years in this trade, and the fully deserved 
success bears witness that this experience has been put to good use. 
The stock comprises not only the best wares manufactured in this coun- 
try, but also those of foreign countries, the selections being made by per- 
sonal visits of Mr. Ilsley. A specialty is made of gratifying the desires of 
every one ; and all styles, shapes, or qualities of hats and furs are made to 
order if not on hand. Messrs. Ilsley & Co. have occupied the same store, 
which is a model of neatness, since they began business; and their cus- 
tomers include many of the wealthiest and most fashionable families of 
Boston and vicinity, and also the students of Harvard and Boston Univer- 
sities, Tufts, and other colleges. 



290 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

Hallet, Davis, & Co. are among the piano-forte manufacturers whose 
names are famous throughout the civilized world. Ever since they began 
business in 1843, the firm name has remained unchanged. They have made 
and sold 22,000 piano-fortes of the best grades. They have received 57 
premiums, 42 of which were first premiums, over all competitors. At the 
Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia their upright piano was the only one 
that received special mention. The judges awarded the medal of honor and 
certificate of distinction in the following clear and positive language : " To 
Hallet, Davis, & Co.'s grand, upright, and square pianos, for volume of tone, 
good construction, and excellence of workmanship, and because of origi- 
nality of design and artistic skill in their upright instruments, with ingenious 
combination of mechanical devices for securing permanence in tune." 
George H. Davis of this firm is the inventor and patentee of a peculiar con- 
struction in upright pianos that will cause them to stand in tune as long as 
any grand or square piano, and at the same time have a quantity and quality 
of tone fully equal to that of any grand piano. The factory, which is on 
Harrison Avenue, between Canton and Brookline Streets, is well shown in 
the accomjDanying illustration. It is a large six-story brick building, having 
a frontage of nearly 400 feet on the streets. It was built in 1866 to replace 
the building burned in 1864. The latter stood where the St. James Hotel 
now stands, and at the time of the fire contained 326 pianos in process of 
manufacture. The present building has a floor-surface of about two acres. 
In it nearly 2,000 pianos can be made in one year. Between 300 and 350 
pianos are being made at all times. It is one of the only two factories 
in New England in which all parts of a piano are made and put together in 
one building. The Whittier Machine Company put in the engines, boiler, 
and elevator. In the rear is a yard of half an acre for seasoning lumber. 
The Boston office and warerooms occupy the second floor of the beautiful 
stone building, 436 Washington Street, at the corner of Summer Street. 
Hallet, Davis, & Co. have warerooms and agencies in all the principal cities 
of the United States. 

The Singer Manufacturing Company established a central office in Boston 
nearly 25 years ago. During all that time the office has been at No. 69 
Hanover Street. The company occupy the whole of a six-story granite-front 
building, well furnished and admirably fitted up. Some idea of the business 
done through this central office can be had from the fact that about 15,000 
machines are sold annually. Moreover, the annual sales, which include ma- 
chines, threads, silks, needles, and parts and attachments of machines, reach 
nearly three-quarters of a million dollars. Between 40 and ^o persons are 
constantly employed here in the counting, sales, and ware rooms, and ma- 
chine and repair shops. The central office has four branches within the city 
districts, — 170 Main Street, Charlestown ; 113 Meridian Street, East Bos- 



2. < 




i 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



291 



ton; 154 Broadway, South Boston; and '^■j Warren Street, Roxbury. It is a 
source of pride to Boston people that the inventor of the Singer machine 
actually finished his invention in this city. 

And now, while noticing the Boston ofifice, — which, by the way, is the 
headquarters for the greater part of New England, — it is well to remember 
that this is only one of the 4.500 offices of the Singer Company scattered 
throughout the world. The company have three large factories — at Eliza- 
beth, N.J., South Bend, Ind., and Glasgow, Scotland. The largest of these 
factories is at Elizabeth, and from the large figures indicating the size one 
can hardly form a just conception of the magnitude of the works. The 
main building is 1,100 x 50 feet; the forging-shop, 700 x 50 feet; the foun- 
dery, 600 x 100 feet; the cabinet-shop, 200 x 50 feet; and the box-shop, 200 
X 50 feet. Most of the buildings are four stories high ; all are of brick, 
and quite new. Taken as a whole they make one of the grandest and most 
picturesque groups of factory buildings in the world. Employment is given 
to 3,000 persons, and about 1,000 machines are made every day. Of course 
these figures refer to the factory at Elizabeth, where only the machines are 
made; and, while the other factories are not so large, still they are immense 
works. The factory at South Bend is used exclusively for the manufacture 
of the cabinet-work. The company not only make 1,000 machines a day, 
but they also sell them ; and up to the present time almost 3,000,000 Singer 
machines have been sold. It is probable that three-fourths of all the sew- 
ing-machines now sold in the world are made by the Singer Company. It is 
within the scope of this sketch to refer only to the history of the company, 
and not to the merits of its wares ; but a few facts seem worthy of mention. 
After the Chicago Fire, the Relief Committee undertook to furnish sewing- 
machines to the needy women of that city. Applicants were permitted to 
choose from six different kinds of machines ; and, of the 2,944 apiDlicants fur- 
nished with machines, 2,427 chose Singer machines, and only 517 distributed 
their choice among the five other kinds of machines. Since the patents on 
sewing-machines expired, several companies have sprung up in various 
parts of the country for making an imitation Singer machine; but no imita- 
tions of other machines have yet appeared. Notwithstanding the increased 
competition and the dull times, the Singer Company sold 356,432 machines 
in 1878, — an increase of 73,620 over any previous year. 

The Boston office for several years has been managed by Horace Grant, 
who is the general agent for Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and 
a portion of Vermont. Under his management the New-England business 
of the company has been materially increased, and by his indomitable en- 
ergy and natural ability has been brought to amost flourishing condition. 
Mr. Grant is ably assisted by John B. Sexton, who has been the bookkeeper 
the Boston office for the past 14 years. 



292 KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 

Bradford & Anthony. — The business of this firm was established in 1800 
by Samuel Bradlee. He was succeeded in 1848 by Martin L. Bradford. In 
1856 Nathan Anthony was admitted as partner, and the firm of Bradford & 
Anthony was formed. The new firm followed the successful career of Mr. 
Bradlee ; and its business has constantly increased, both in scope and 
amount. A temporary interruption was occasioned by the Great Fire of 
1872, which destroyed their wholesale and retail stores, containing large and 
valuable stocks of goods. After that fire, with unshaken credit, undimin- 
ished energy, and guided by a ripe experience, their business was re-organ- 
ized on a more extended basis than before. The building No. 374 Wash- 
ington Street was designed by the well-known Boston architect, Nathaniel 
J. Bradlee, whose father established the business. It was erected expressly 
for this firm, and furnished throughout with every device to facilitate their 
extensive business. The wholesale and retail departments are now under 
the same roof, and occupy all the floors and basement of the building. 
The firm are large dealers in cutlery and fancy hardware, and have con- 
nection with the best houses in Europe. They are among the heaviest 
American importers of goods in their line from England, France, Germany, 
and Sweden, and are also the sole agents for the United States of several 
foreign firms as well as of various manufacturers in this country. At the 
International Exhibition at Philadelphia, in 1876, they received a medal and 
the "cordial thanks" of the U. S. Fish Commission for ''the collective ex- 
hibit in exhaustive variety of anglers' apparatus and fishing-tackle," all of 
which was contributed from their stock. This collection was bought entire 
by the Smithsonian Institution, and deposited in the National Museum 
at Washington, to illustrate all the present methods of catching fish. Brad- 
ford & Anthony's business, probably the oldest of its kind in this country, 
stands unquestionably first in rank. Its customers are found in every State 
and Territory of the Union. For 51 years the business was carried on in 
the same building ; and during that whole half-century the address of the 
firm, as advertised far and wide, was " three doors north of the Old South," 
for then the Old South Church was the prominent landmark of that part 
of the city. To-day, considering the stability and growth of this firm, 
and the uncertainty and decline of the Old South, it might be not incon- 
sistently said that the " Old South is a few doors north of Bradford &; 
Anthony's." 

Williams & Everett's Art Rooms have long been recognized as one of 
the most important and influential art centres of New England. The busi- 
ness was established in 1810. The present store, built in 1873 expressly 
for art purposes, has its main front at 508 Washington Street, and its L 
front at 5 Bedford Street. The lower floor is devoted to engravings, pho- 
tographs, frames, and statuary. The illustration on this page shows a por- 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



293 



tion of the lower floor ; but of course it can neither suggest the large and 
rich collection of engravings, etchings, water-colors, photographs, and car- 
bons which fill the portfolios and stands on every side, nor show the com- 
plete and attractive collection of Rogers' groups of statuary, for which 
this firm has the sole agency. The illustration also shows a marble statue 
of Ophelia, and the grand staircase which leads to the " Williams & Everett 
art gallery," a place visited repeatedly by thousands of visitors and resi- 
dents. This gallery, so far as its proportions, light, and color are concerned, 
has been pro- - - ^— "T 

nounced by emi- 
nent artists one of 
the most satisfac- 
tory in this coun- 
try. It is fre- 
quently used for 
the sales at auc- 
tion of large or 
noted collections 
of paintings. Its 
walls are always 
hung with valuable 
and recent works 
of American and 
foreign artists. 
An adjoining 
room, open at all 
times to buyers. 
contains a great 
assortment of for- 
eign works of art. 
The firm are the 
only large import- 
ers of forei gn 
paintings in New 
England, having 
direct relations 
with many leading 

artists of Europe, and with some of the most reliable dealers. Besides 
original foreign works, they act as business agents for many American 
artists. The upper stories of the building are used in manufacturing pic- 
ture and mirror frames, for style, novelty, and finish of which Williams & 
Everett are so justly celebrated. 




I/HII/I 

r-tt, 508 Washington Streft. 



294 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



Hogg, Brown, & Taylor occupy the large granite building on the north- 
west corner of Washington Street and Temple Place, including Nos. 477 to 
481 Washington Street, and Nos. 60 to 70 Temple Place. The building is 
100 by 84 feet. It has on its four floors and basement a floor surface of 
about an acre. It was built in 1863-64, expressly for this firm. Its plain 
and substantial looking exterior is an indication of the reliable and stanch 
firm that own and occupy the whole building. In 1857 John Hogg, George 
B. Brown, and John Taylor, under the firm name of Hogg, Brown, & Taylor, 
which has ever since remained unchanged, succeeded to the business of 
Kinmonth & Co., who at that time were everywhere known as one of the 




Hoge. Brown, ik. Taylor, Corner of V/ashing.on Sic 



.d Temple Place. 



foremost dry-goods houses in New England. The present firm have not 
only maintained the reputation of their predecessors, but have constantly 
advanced, and to-day they are known as one of the largest and best houses 
in the dry-goods trade in this country. They are wholesale and retail dealers, 
as well as extensive importers, of dry goods and all articles usually found 
in the largest dry-goods establishments. A characteristic feature of this 
firm is its quiet way of transacting its business. Hardly ever is its adver- 
tisement seen ; and yet the spacious quarters are crowded at all hours of 
the day, for the ladies of Boston and its vicinity know that they can always 
rely on Hogg, Brown, & Taylor for the best and most fashionable goods at 
equitable prices. In the building there are about 200 employees; and, be- 
sides these, many persons are employed elsewhepe for making ladies' wear. 
The death of Mr. Taylor in April, 1S75, and the retirement of Mr. Brown in 
the following July, leaves the present firm consisting of John Hogg, Henry 
R. Beal, Albert H. Higgins, and Alexander Henderson. 



KING'S HANDBOOK' OF BOSTON. 



295 



F. Geldowsky's Great Furniture Establishment, on Otis Street, East 
Cambridge, is the outgrowth of a small factory started in Boston many years 
ago. The factory buildings are so well shown in the illustration on this page, 
that a description of them is unnecessary. They are all of brick, and con- 
tain all kinds of machinery, and every facility requisite for manufacturing 
the finest furniture. They give employment to 250 men, including e.xperi- 
enced French marquetrie-cutters and Italian wood-carvers. In manufactur- 
ino- furniture, this firm does not make use of any soft woods. Mr. Gel- 
dowsky is now doing probably the most extensive wholesale and retail fur- 




ture Establishment, Otio birrct, East Cambridge. 



niture business in this country. His goods are sold not only throughout 
the United States, but are also shipped to Great Britain, South America, 
and Australia. In January, 1879, an agency was established at 58 Hol- 
born Viaduct, London. Moreover, besides doing a business as extensive 
as any of its competitors in this country, this firm has also the reputation 
of manufacturing furniture equal to that of the best manufacturers in the 
world. Although Mr. Geldowsky's business is principally wholesale, his 
retail business is quite an important branch. For the retail department, 
two entire floors, 1 50 by 40 feet each, are used exclusively for the display 
of goods. The factory, as already stated, is on Otis Street, East Cam- 



296 



A'/NG'S HANDBOOK^ OF BOSTON. 



ir^ 



bridge ; and the retail department, office, and warerooms are alongside the 

factory. All can be reached by a ten-minutes' ride in the horse-cars that 

start from the Revere House in Bowdoin Square. 

John & James Dobson, whose carpet-warehouse occupies the whole of 

the five-story stone-front building, Nos. 525 and 527 Washington Street, are 

the largest carpet-manufacturers in the 
world. Their immense manufactory, at 
the trails of Schuylkill, Pennsylvania, 
^ues employment to 1,800 persons, 
mmufacturing daily, on an average, 
ibout 25,000 pounds of wool into car- 
pets of every grade, from the finest 
Moquets and Wiltons down to the com- 
monest ingrains. Its manufactures, 
imounting to several million dollars 
jr] \ early, are sold throughout this coun- 
ti}. The Boston store, in charge of 
Herman S. Judkins, is one of the neat- 
est and best adapted to the carpet- 
tiide in Boston; and the stock con- 
tamed in it is as choice and complete 
as that of any house in this line in the 
United States. 

They are the only manufacturers in 
the world that can furnish a retail de- 
partment complete with the produc- 
tions of their own looms. They 
were awarded the premium at the 
World's Exhibition at Philadelphia. 
I hey have also large stores in Phila- 
delphia, New York, and Cincinnati. 
I hey have a large corps of designers 
constantly at work producing new 
patterns and designs, and thus with 

every season they are able to furnish rich and handsome carpets always 

of the newest style. 




John & James Dobson Washington Street 



INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS. 



FULL-PAGES. 

Andros a Prisoner in Boston 5 

Boston Common 73 

Boston University School of Medicine 113 

Cathedral of the Holy Cross 165 

City Hall 53 

Clii'.-Hoi'ses 23s 

Great Fire of 1872 15 

Forest-hills Cemetery 223 

Lothrop, D., & Co.'s Establishment 133 

Massachusetts Homceop.^thic Hosi'ital 113 

Monu.ments and Fountains .............. 85 

Monuments and Statues 81 

Museum of Fine Arts 99 

Mutual Life-Insurance Co.'s Building Titlepage 

New-England Mutual Life-Insurance Co.'s Building Titlepage 

"Old South" Church, The New 153 

" Old State House " 67 

Public Garden 77 

Public Library 93 

Quarrel between Winthroi' and Dudley 3 

" Traveller " Building 67 

Trinity Church 157 

Water-Works 57 

INSETS. 

Boston City Hospital ' . . . Opposite page 208 

Boston English-High and Latin School " " 118 

Forbes Lithogr.\ph Manufacturing Establishment " " 142 

Hallet, Davis, & Co.'s Pianoforte Establishment <i .. ^90 

Hotel Ijrunswick " "42 

Macui.lar, Parker, & Company's Clothing Establishment ... .< •. ^80 

Map of Boston " "22 

Maverick National Bank Building " " 264 

New-England Mutual Life-Insurance Company's Building .... <■ << 246 

Post-Office and Sub-Treasury Building Frontispiece 

Rand, Avery, & Co.'s Printing Establishment Opposite page 138 

Rockwell & Churchill's Printing Establish.ment " " 140 

South-Boston Iron Company's Works " " 284 

Sumner Statue on the Public Garden " "88 



SMALLER ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Advertiser, The Boston 144 Boston and Maine Railroad depot .... 37 

.■\mcrican House 45 Boston and Provideni:e Railro.id depot ... 32 

.Andrew, Gov., statue of 81 Boston Athenxum 94 

.•\ndros a prisoner in Boston 5 Boston Belting Company's Works .... 282 

.\rlington-street Church 159 Boston City Hospital opp. 208 

Arlington Street, opposite the Public Garden, 24 Boston Club-houses 235 

Army and Navy Monument 84 Boston Common 73 

.•Vrmy and Navy Monument, Charlestown . 81 Boston Dispensary 213 

Baldwin-place Home for Little Wanderers . 197 Boston English-High and Latin School, opp. 118 

Beacon, Beacon Hill 2 ; Boston fire of 1872 15 

Bird, Frank W., " Old Bookshop " of . . . 139 j Boston Latin-School 118 

297 



INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIOXS. 



Boston Museum of Fine Arts 99 

Boston Post building I46 

Boston Rubber Shoe Co., Maiden .... 283 

Boston Society of Natural History .... 103 

Boston Transcript building 147 

Boston University School of Medicine . . .113 

Boston Yacht-Club House, City Point . . . 237 

Boston Water-Works 57 

Bowdoin-square Baptist Church 172 

Boylston Market 271 

Brattle-square Church 171 

Brewer Fountain, Boston Common .... 73 

" Bristol," steamer of Fall River Line . opp. 34 

Bunker-hill Monument 81 

Bussey Institution, Jamaica Plain .... 109 

Cathedral of the Holy Cross 165 

Central Cong. Church, Jamaica Plain . . . 163 

Charity Building and Temporary Home . . 189 

Chauncy-hall School 121 

Children's Hospital 210 

Children's Mission 195 

Christ Church 156 

Church of the .'Vdvent, new 170 

Church of the Unity 174 

City Hall 53 

Congregational House 181 

Consumptives' Home, Grove Hall .... 211 

Crawford House 47 

Custom House 68 

Dobson, John & James 296 

Dorchester Heights and the harbor .... 7 

Dorchester soldiers' monument 85 

Dudley-street Baptist Church, Highlands . . 167 

Equitable Life-Assurance Society's building . 249 

Estes & Lauriat 136 

Ether Monument, Public Garden .... 77 

Everett Statue, Public Garden 17 

Fairbanks, Brown, & Co 2S7 

Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market .... 270 

First Church 151 

First house in Boston 2 

First meeting-house in Boston 151 

Forbes Lithograph Manufacturing Co. opp. 142 

Forest-hills Cemetery 223 

Fountain, Blackstone Square 78 

Foimtain, Union Stjuare, 85 ; Chester Square, 

85; Sullivan Square 85 

Franklin's birthplace 6 

Franklin, statue of 81 

French, Abram, & Co 282 

Frog Pond, Boston Common 72 

Gateway to Granary Burying-ground . . . 220 

Geldowsky's Furniture Establishment . . . 295 

German Lutheran Trinity Church .... 163 

Girls' High School 120 

Glover, Gen., statue of 81 

Great Organ, Music Hall 228 

Groom, Thomas, & Co 143 

Hamilton, Alexander, statue of 81 

Hancock's House 12 

Harvard Medical School 1 10 

Harvard Monument 85 

Hogg, Brown, & Taylor 294 

Home for Aged Men 194 

Home for Aged Women 193 

Horticultural Hall 230 

Hotel Brunswick opp. 44 



House of the Angel Guardian 198 

Howard N'ational Bank 263 

Jones, McDuffee, & Stratton 288 

King's Chapel 155 

Lafayette's lodgings 10 

Lee & Shepard 131 

Little, Brown, & Co 130 

Lockwood, Brooks, & Co 137 

Lothrop, D., & Co 133 

Macullar, Parker, & Company 280 

Map of Boston opp- 22 

Masonic Temple 239 

Mass. Charitable Eye and Ear Infirmary . . 214 
Mass. Charitable Mechanic Association . . 277 

Massachusetts General Hospital 206 

Massachusetts Homoeopathic Hospital . . . 113 
Massachusetts Institute of Technology . . . 116 

Mather Tomb, Copp's Hill 221 

Maverick National Bank opp. 264 

Merchants' Exchange 273 

Monuments and Fountains 85 

Monuments and Statues .81 

Monnt-Vernon Church 176 

Mutual Life-insurance Co 248 

New-England Historic-Genealogical Society. 96 
New-England Mutual Life-insurance Co., opp. 246 

New " Old South" Church 153 

Odd Fellows' Hall 240 

Old Colony Railroad depot 35 

Old Corner Bookstore 138 

Old South Church 152 

Old State House 67 

Park-street Church 161 

Perkins Institution 126 

Post-office and Sub-treasury, U. S. . frontispiece 
Public Garden, view from Boylston Street, 76; 

view from Arlington Street 77 

Public Library . . ■ 93 

Quarrel between Winthrop and Dudley . . 3 

Quincy House 46 

Rand, Avery, & Co opp. 138 

Revere House 45 

Rockwell & Churchill opp. 140 

Seaman's Bethel 201 

Second Church, Dorchester 173 

Second Universalist Church 175 

Somerset Club House 233 

Shawmut Congregational Church . . . .178 

Site of Webster's Home 9 

South Boston Iron Co.'s Works . . . opp. 284 

Speakers' desk, Winslow's chair 95 

State House 64 

St. James Hotel 44 

St. Paul's Church 160 

Sumner's House 17 

Tremont-street Methodist Church .... 168 

Tremont Temple 229 

Trinity Church, new 157 

Turnhalle 238 

Washington's lodgings 9 

Wellesley College, Wellesley 112 

Wesleyan Association building 181 

Williams & Everett 293 

Winchester Home for Aged Women . . . 192 
Young Men's Christian Association . . . 183 

Young Men's Christian Union 182 

Young's Hotel 43 



INDEX TO TEXT. 



Adams Nervine Asylum, 215. 

Advertiser, the Boston Daily, 144. 

American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 102. 

American College and Education Society, 123. 

American House, 45. 

American Insurance Co., 251. 

American Library Association, 124. 

American Metric Bureau, 124. 

Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, 241. 

Apollo Club, 105. 

Area of Boston, 20. 

Aristides, statue of, 82. 

Arlington-street Church, 159. 

Army and Navy Monument, Boston Common, 

83-87. 
Arms of the City, 29-40. 
Art and Science, 97. 
Art Club, Boston, 102. 
Artekies of the City, 21-28. 
Associated Charities of Boston, 204. 
Association Hall, 231. 

Association for Destitute Catholic Children, 196. 
Athenseum, Boston, 92-94, 101. 
Athenian Club, 234. 

Baldwin-place Home for Little Wanderers, 197. 

Bankers, list of, 264. 

Barrj-, Fred W., 140. 

Base-Ball .Association, Boston, 237. 

Beacon, the, 2. 

Beacon-hill reservoir, 58. 

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, 242. 

Berkeley-street Church, 172. 

Bicknell's journals, 128, 150. 

Bird, Frank W., 139. 

Blackstone Square, 76. 

Boffin's Bower, 202. 

Bones of the City, 219-224. 

Boston and Albany Railroad, 33, 39. 

Boston and Albany Railroad Library, 97. 

Boston and Lowell Railroad, 34, 39. 

Boston and Maine Railroad, 37, 39. 

Boston and Providence Railroad, 32, 39. 

Boston Asylum and Farm-School for Indigent 

Boys, 127. 
Boston Belting Company, 16, 281-283. 
Boston College, 107, 115. 

Boston Common, 6, 10, 11, 19, 23, 72-75, 220, 242. 
Boston National Bank, 248. 
Boston Museum, 227. 

P.oston, Revere Beach, and Lynn Railroad, 38. 
Boston Safe-deposit and Trust Company, 246, 267. 
I'.osTON, Sketch of the History of, 1-20. 
Boston Theatre, 225. 
Boston University, 107, 112, 114. 
Boston University School of Medicine, 114. 
Bowdoin-square Baptist Church, 172. 
Boylston Club, 105. 
Boylston Hall, 174, 179, 271. 



Boylston Market, J76, 269, 271. 

Boylston Medical .Society of Harvard University, 

107, no, 217. 
Boylston Museum, 228. 
Bradford & Anthony, 292. 
Brain of the City, 107-128. 
Brattle-square Church, 171. 
Bridges in and around Boston, 26. 
Brighton soldiers' monument, 90. 
Bunker-Hill Monument, 87. 
Burnham, T. O. H. P., 138. 
Business Houses, the, 279-296. 
Bussey Institution, 107, 109, 215. 

Cable, H. M., 135. 
Campbell & Coverly, 50. 
Carney Hospital, 209. 
Carpenter, George O., 273. 
Casualty insurance companies, 257. 
Cathedral of the Holy Cross, 163. 
Catholic Apostolic Church, 167. 
Catholic schools and convents, 127. 
Cattle-Fair Hotel, 48. 
Cecilia Society, 106. 
Cemeteries, Catholic, 222. 
Central Burying-ground, 220. 
Central Charity Bureau and Temp. Home, 189. 
Central Church, 161. 
Central Club, 234. 

Central Cong. Church, Jamaica Plain, 162. 
Central Lunch Club, 242. 
Channing Home, 212. 
Charitable Irish Society, 199. 
Charles-street Jail, 6g. 

Charlestown soldiers' and sailors' monument, 88. 
Chauncy-hall School, 120, 241. 
Chester .'Square, 76. 
Children's Friend Society, 202. 
Children's Home, and H. for Aged Females, 194. 
Children's Hospital, 210. 

Children's Mis. to Children of the Destitute, 195. 
Children's Sea-shore Home, 211. 
Christ Church, Salem Street, 155. 
Church Home for Orphans and Destitute Chil- 
dren, 196. 
Church of the Advent, 169. 
Church of the Disciples, 171. 
Church of the Immaculate Conception, 166. 
Church of the Messiah, 179. 
Church of the Unity, 173. 
Churches of Boston, list of, 184. 
City government of Boston, 54. 
City Hall, 20, 51, 52. 
City Hospit.al, Boston, 208. 

City Hospital Training-school for Nurses, 128, 208. 
City Missionary Society, 191. 
Claflin, William, Coburn, & Co., 10. 
Clearing-house Association, 268. 
Clubs, 233. 

299 



?oo 



INDEX TO TEXT. 



Colesworthy, D. C, 140. 

Columbus-avenue Universalist Chunh, 174. 

Columbus, statue of, 82. 

Commerce of Boston, 39. 

Commercial Exchange, Boston, 274. 

Commonwealth Hotel, 48. 

Congregational House, 96, 180, 191, 232. 

Congregational Library, 96, 181. 

Consumptives' Home, 211. 

Continental Insurance Co. of X.Y., 68. 

Co-operative Society of Visitors among Poor, 203. 

Copeland, A. F., 50. 

Copeland, D. T. , 50. 

Copp's-hill Burying-ground, 220. 

Correctional institutions, 70. 

Court House, 69, 95, 155. 

Crawford House, 47. 

Custom House, 68. 

Decorative Art, Boston Society of, 102. 

Debt of Boston, 20. 

Diet kitchens, 212. 

Directors for public institutions, 54, 190, 212. 

Disabled soldiers and sailors, 193. 

Dispensary, Boston, 212. 

Dispensary for Diseases of Children, 214. 

Dispensary for Diseases of Women, 214. 

Dobson, John & James, 296. 

Dorchester soldiers' monument, 88. 

Druggists' Association, Boston, 218. 

Dudley-street Baptist Church, 167. 

East-Boston reservoir, 59. 

East Boston, squares in, 78. 

Eastern Railroad Company, 36, 39. 

Educational periodicals, 128, 150. 

Elevated-railroad system, 28. 

English and classical school for boys, 127. 

English-high and Latin school, 118. 

Equitable building, 49, 249, 268. 

Equitable Life .Assurance Society of N.Y., 249. 

Equitable Safe-deposit vaults, 249, 268. 

Estes & Lauriat, 136. 

Ether monument, 83. 

Evangelical Advent Church, 168. 

Evans House, 47. 

Everett, Edward, statue of, 80. 

Fairbanks, Brown, & Co., 287. 

Faneuil Hall, 13, 18, 232, 242, 269, 270. 

Faneuil-Hall Market, new, 269. 

Fellner, Albert, 50. 

Female .Society, Boston, 202. 

Fera, George, 50. 

FlNANCI.\L InsTITUTIO.N'S, 261-268. 

Fire and marine insurance, 250. 

Fire and marine ins. co.'s of other countries, 257. 

Fire and marine ins. co.'s of other States, 258-260. 

Fire-department, 55. 

Fires, 11, 14. 

Fire-Underwriters' Union, Boston, 251. 

First Church, 151. 

First Cong. Society of Jamaica Plain, 176. 

First paper, 4. 

First Parish Church, Dorchester, 162. 

First settler, i. 

Fish Bureau, Boston, 274. 

Fitchburg Railroad, 36, 39. 

Forbes Lithograph Manufacturing Co., 142, 284. 

Forest-hills Cemetery, 221. 

Fort Independence, 70. 

Fort Warren, 70. 

Fort Winthrop, 70. 



Foster & Scull, 253. 

Franklin, Benjamin, statue of, 82. 

Franklin Square, 47, 76. 

Free Hospital for Women, 209. 

French, Abram, & Co., 286. 

French-flat system of hotels, 48. 

F.og Pond, 72. 

Frost & Dearborn, 49. 

Gaiety Theatre, 227. 

Geldowsky, F., 295. 

General Theological Library, 97. 

German Emigrant Aid Society, 200. 

German Lutheran Trinity Church, 163. 

German musical societies, 106. 

Gilman, John D., 50. 

Gilman, J. W. C, 150. 

Ginn & Heath, 134. 

Girls' High-school, 119. 

Globe Theatre, 226. 

Globe, the Boston Daily, 149. 

Glover, John, statue of, 82. 

Grand Army of the Republic, 222, 239, 240. 

Groom, Thomas, & Co , 143. 

Hallet, Davis, & Co., 290. 

Halls, 232. 

Hamilton, Alexander, statue of, 80. 

Handel and Haydn Society, 104. 

Harvard Dental School, 107, no. 

Harvard Medical School, 107, no. 

Harvard Musical Association, 104. 

Harvard Monument, 87. 

Harvard-street Baptist Church, 174. 

Harvard University, 107-110. 

Hawthorne Rooms, 232. 

He.\rt of the Citv, 189-204. 

Herald, the Boston, 145. 

Highland Street-railway Company, 27, 28. 

Hogg, Brown, & Taylor, 294. 

Hollis-street Church, 160. 

Home for Aged Colored Women, 192. 

Home for Aged Men, 193. 

Home for Aged Poor, 191. 

Home for Aged Women, 193. 

Homoeopathic Hospital, 115. 

Homoeopathic Medical Dispensary, 190, 213. 

Homoeopathic Medical Society, Boston, 217. 

Horace Mann School for the Deaf, 117, 127. 

Hospital of the Public Institutions, 212. 

Houghton, Osgood, & Co., 130. 

House of the Angel Guardian, 198. 

Hotel Brunswick, 18, 41. 

Hotels and Restaurants, 41-50. 

House of the Good .Samaritan, 210. 

House of the Good Shepherd, 202. 

Horticultural Hall, 230. 

Howard Athenseum, 228. 

Howard National Bank, 263. 

Ilsley, D. P. & Co., 289. 
Independence Square, 78. 
Industrial Aid Society, 203. 
Industrial School for (jirls, 199. 
Industrial Temporary Home, 193. 
Infant School and Children's Home, 196. 
Insurance Offices, 243-260. 
Investigator Hall, 231. 
Israelitish cemetery, 224. 

John Hancock Mutual Life-Ins. Company, 12,246. 
Jones, McDuffee, & Stratlon, 288. 
Journal, the Boston, 148. 



INDEX TO TEX T. 



301 



King's Chapel, 19, 154. 

King's Chapel Burying-ground, 219. 

Lacrosse Club, 238. 

Ladies' Relief Agency, 203. 

Latin-School, Boston, 117. 

Learnard, Isaac M. & Co., 50. 

Lee & Shepard, 131. 

Libraries, 97. 

Life-insurance in America, 244. 

Lincoln Square, 78. 

Literary Clubs, 236. 

Little, Brown, & Co., 129. 

Lockwood, Brooks, & Co., 137. 

Lothrop, D. & Co., 132. 

Lovering, A. W., 139. 

Lowell Institute, 123. 

Lowell Square, 78. 

Lunatic Hospital, Boston, 212. 

Lings of the Citv, 71-90. 

Lumber Dealers' Association, 276. 

Lying-in Hospital, Boston, 212. 

Lynn and Boston Railroad, 28. 

Macullar, Parker, & Co., 279. 

Mann, Horace, statue of, 80. 

Manson, A. S., 135. 

Manufacturers' Fire & Marine Ins. Co., 253. 

Marine Society, Boston, 278 

Marine underwriters, board of, 278. 

M.\RKETS AND EXCHANGES, 269-278. 

Markets, 269. 

Marston, Russell, & Co., 50. 

Marston & Cunio, 50. 

Masonic Temple, 239. 

Massachusetts Charitable Eye and Ear Infir'y, 214. 

Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Assoc'n, 277. 

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, 217. 

Massachusetts General Hospital, 205-207. 

Massachusetts Historical Society, 94. 

Massachusetts Homoeopathic Hospital, 208. 

Massachusetts Homoeopathic Med. Society, 217. 

Massachusetts Hospital Life-Ins. Company, 244. 

Massachusetts Infant Asylum, 195. 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 115. 

Massachusetts joint-stock fire and marine insur- 
ance companies, 255. 

Massachusetts Medical Society, 215, 216. 

Massachusetts mutual fire and marine insurance 
companies having agencies in Boston, 256. 

Massachusetts Normal Art-School, 121. 

Massachusetts School for Idiotic and Feeble- 
Minded Youth, 128. 

Mass. Soc. for Aiding Discharged Convicts, 200. 

Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of 
Cruelty to .Animals, 203. 

Maverick House, 48. 

Maverick National Bank, 263. 

Mayors of Boston, list of, 10. 

Mechanics' Exchange, 276. 

Mechanics' Hall, 231. 

Medical Association, Boston, 217. 

Medical Examiner, 216. 

Medical Improvement, Boston Society for, 217. 

Medical Library A.ssociation, Boston, 95. 

Medical Observation, Boston Society for, 217. 

Mercantile Library Association, 242. 

Mercantile Marine Insurance Co., 252. 

Mercer & Whittemore, 246. 

Merchants' Exchange and Reading-Room, 272 

Merchants' National Bank, 261. 

Metropolitan Railroad Company, 27, 28. 

Middlesex Railroad Company, 28. 



Militia of Massachusetts, 241. 

Mill-dam, 23. 

Miller's (Henry F.) Pianoforte establishment, 284. 

Mind of the City, 91-106. 

Miss. Church of our Lady of Perpetual Help, 166. 

Montgomery Square, 78. 

Morgue, old, 216; new, 216. 

Mount-.Auburn Cemetery, 224, 231. 

Mount-Hope Cemetery, 222. 

Mount-Vernon Church, 176. 

Museum of Fme Arts, Boston, 98-102. 

Musical Societies of Boston, 104. 

Music Hall, Boston, 17, 18, 104, 105, 123, 228. 

Mutual Benefit Life-Ins. Co., Newark, N.J., 248 

Mutual fire and marine insurance companies, 254 

Mutual Life-insurance Co. of New York, 247. 

Mystic water-works, 59. 

National banks, complete list of, 261. 

National Revere Bank, 142, 262. 

Natural History, Boston Society of, 97, 103. 

Needlewoman's Friend Society, 200. 

New-England Church, 162. 

New-England Conservator^' of Music, 122. 

New-England Furniture Exchange, 275. 

New-England Historic-Genealogical Society, 96. 

N. -England Hospital forWomen and Children, 209. 

New-England House, 48. 

New-England Moral Reform Society, 199. 

New-England Mutual Life-Ins. Co. of Boston, 245. 

New- England News Company, 138. 

New- England Scandinavian Benevolent Soc, aoo. 

New-England Woman's Club, 334. 

New English-High and Latin School, 118. 

New Jerusalem Church Society, i8o. 

Nonotuck Silk Company, 2S6. 

North-End Mission, Boston, 204. 

New " Old .South" Church, 154. 

New- York and Boston Despatch Express Co , 288 

New- York and New-England Railroad, 38, 39. 

Nichols & Hall, 135, 182, 

Norfolk House, 48. 

Normal School, 119. 

Norseman statue and fountain, 90. 

Ober, L. P., 50. 

Odd Fellows' Hall, 239. 

Old Charlestown Burying ground, 221. 

Old Colony Railroad, 34, 39. 

Old Corner Bookstore, 137. 

Old Granary Burying-ground, 219. 

Old South, 7, 18, 19, 152. 

Old State House, 19, 65. 

Orpheus Musical Society, 106. 

Paige, John C , 354. 

Paine Memorial Hall, 231. 

Park Theatre, 227. 

Parker-hiU reservoir, 58. 

Parker House, 44, 236. 

Parker Memorial Hall, 231. 

Park-street Church, 19, 161, 224. 

Parks, 76. 

Penitent Females' Refuge and Bethesda Soc, 197. 

Perkins Inst, and Mass. School for Blind, 126. 

Pierce, S. S. & Co., 9. 

Police-department, 56. 

Police Relief Association, Boston, 203. 

Population, 20. 

Port and Seaman's Aid Society, Boston, 201. 

Postm.asters of Boston, 63. 

Post, the Boston Daily, 4, 146. 

Printing establishments, great, 140. 



302 



INDEX TO TEXT. 



Private schools, 120. 

Probate Office, 69. 

Produce Exchange, Boston, 274. 

Protective department, Boston, 55, 250, 251. 

Provident Association, Boston, 191. 

Province House, 22. 

Public buildings, 51-70. 

Public Garden, 75. 

Public institutions, directors of, 34, 190, 212. 

Public Library, 91, 92. 

Public park, 71. 

Pulse of the City, 205-218. 

Quincy House, 46. 

Quincy, Josiah, statue of, 90. 

Quincy Market, 270. 

Railroad business of Boston, 39. 

Railroad commissioners, 28. 

Rand, Avery, & Co., 140, 246. 

Reed & Brother, 66. 

Registration of charities, 190. 

Registr>' of Deeds for Suffolk County, 69. 

Restaurants and cafes, 49. 

Revere House, 45. 

Rockwell & Churchill, 141. 

Roxbury Charitable Society, 191. 

Roxbury Latin School, 125. 

Roxbury soldiers' monument, 89. 

Rubber Shoe Company, Boston, 279, 283. 

Safe-deposit vaults, 267. 

Safe-deposit and Trust Company, Boston, 267. 

Saturday-morning Club, 236. 

Savings banks, 266, 267. 

Schools, Boston public, 116. 

Scots' Charitable Society, 199. 

Seaman's Friend Society, Boston, 202. 

Sears, W. B., 254. 

Second Church, Dorchester district, 173. 

Secret societies, 239. 

Sewers, pubhc, in Boston, 27. 

Sewing Circle, Boston, 201. 

Shawmut Congregational Church, 178. 

Sherman House, 48. 

Shipping interests of Boston, 40. 

Shoe-and-Leather Exchange, 275. 

Simmons Female College, 123 

Singer Manufacturing Co., 290. 

Sisters of Notre Dame, 127. 

Smith, Thomas H., 50. 

Social Law Library, 69, 95. 

Social Side of the City, 225-242. 

Society of Vincent de Paul, 197. 

Society to Encourage Studies at Home, 124. 

Somerset Club, 233. 

Somerset-street Baptist Church, 169. 

Soi'L OF THE City, 151-188. 

South-Boston Iron Company, 284 

South-Boston Railroad, 28. 

South-Boston Reservoir, 59. 

South-Boston Yacht-Club, 237. 

South Congregational Church, 176. 

Spelling Reform Association, 125. 

State House, 2, 12, 63. 

State Library, 65, 95. 

St. Augustine Cemetery, 222. 

Steam-railroads, introduction of, 29. 

St. Elizabeth's Hospital, 210. 

St. James Hotel, 44. 

St. John's Church, 163. 

St. Joseph's Home, 210. 

St. Joseph's Home for Females, 197. 



St. Luke's Home, 210. 

St. Mar>-'s Infant Asylum, 211. 

Stock and Exchange Board, 268. 

Stockin, A. C, 132. 

St. Paul's Church, 160, 224. 

Street-railway system, 27. 

Streets and avenues of the city, 21-26. 

Stumcke & Goodwin, 50. 

St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum, 196. 

Suffolk Club, 234. 

Sumner, Charles, statue of, 90. 

Sweet, Charles A., & Co., 264. 

Temple Club, 233. 

Temporary Home for the Destitute, 194. 

Tewksbury, ]NL W., 134. 

Theatres, 225-228. 

Thomas Park, 78. 

Tongue of the City, 129-150. 

Transcript, the Evening, 147. 

Traveller, Daily Evening, 148. 

Tremont House, 47. 

Tremont-street Methodist Church, 168. 

Tremont Temple, 162, 183, 229. 

Trmity Church, 156-159. 

Tufts College, 115. 

Turnhalle, 232, 238. 

Tumverein, Boston, 232, 238. 

Twenty-eighth Congregational Society, 180. 

Union Athletic Club, 238. 

Union Boat-Club, 236. 

Union Church, 178. 

Union Club, 234. 

Union Freight Railway, 35. 

Union Hall, 231. 

Union Park, 76. 

Union Railway Company, 28. 

Union Safe-deposit vaults, 267. 

L'nion Temple Church, 162, 230. 

United States Court-House, 63. 

United States Hotel, 48. 

United States Na\'y Yard, 63. 

United States Post-office and Sub-treasury, 60-62. 

Valuation, 20. 

Walnut-avenue Congregational Church, 177. 

Warren Anatomical Museum, iii. 

Warren Museum of Natural History, 104. 

Washington, equestrian statue of, 79. 

Washingtonian Home, 215. 

Water-works, 54, 56, 60. 

Weber, Fred. E., 50. 

Webster, Daniel, statue of, 80. 

Wellesley College, iii. 

Wesleyan Association building, 135, 182. 

Wesleyan Hall, 231. 

West Church, 168 

West-Roxburj' soldiers' monument, 89. 

Whitney's restaurant and cafe, 49. 

Whittier Machine Company, 285. 

Williams & Everett, 292. 

Winchester Home for Aged Women, 192. 

Winkley, Thorp, & Dresser, 134, 143. 

VVinthrop Congregational Church, 177. 

Worcester Square, 76. 

Vacht-Club, Boston, 236. 

Yacht-clubs, 237. 

Young Men's Benevolent Society, Boston, 200. 

Young Men's Christian Association, Boston, 183. 

Young Men's Christian Union, Boston, 182. 

Young's Hotel, 43 



I 



KING'S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON. 



PUBLISHED AND COPYRIGHTED BY 

MOSES KING. 

ELECTROTYPING, PRINTING, AND BINDING BY 

RAND, AVERY, & CO., 

BOSTON. 



INDEX TO ADVERTISERS. 

(Letters A to E inclusive are in the front part of the book ; F to P, in the bacl< part.) 
NAME. P.\GB 

Alliance Insurance Company .............. B 

American Baptist Publication Society, G. H. Springer, Depositary, Sunday-school books, etc. . M 
Bradford & Anthony, cutlery, sportsmen's goods, fancy hardware, etc. ...... A 

Brown & Co., Joseph T., apothecaries and chemists ......... D 

Brunswick, Hotel, J. W. Wolcott, proprietor ......... (back cover) P 

Burnham, T. O. H. P., new and second-hand books, periodicals, etc. ...... X 

Collins, T. F., blank-book manufacturer, binder and ruler ........ I 

Conant, James A., designer and wood-engraver .......... K 

Dean's Interest and Equation Exponents (L. L. & Moses King) ....... N 

Fish, William R., designer and photo-engraver . . . ■ . . . . . . . O 

Forbes Lithograph Manufacturing Co., lithographers, printers, etc. . . inset opposite L and M 
Foster & Scull, insurance-agents ............. F 

Hogg & Co., Andrew H., agents Mitchell, Vance, & Co., gas-fi.'ctures, lamps, etc. . . . G 

Hotel Brunswick, J. W. Wolcott, proprietor ......... (back cover) P 

Ilsley & Co., D. P., hatters and furriers D 

Kilbum, S. S., designer and engraver on wood ...... inset opposite N and O 

King, L. L., & Moses, insurance-agents ............ I 

Lewis, Dio, Turkish, Russian, vapor, and shampoo baths ........ M 

Morse, L. Foster, auctioneer and real-estate agent ......... H 

New-England Mutual Life Insurance Co. of Boston inset opposite H 

Nichols & Co., W. F., gentlemen's furnishing goods K 

Nonotuck Silk Company B 

Paige, John C, insurance-agent ............. E 

Proctor & Moody, stationers and engravers L 

Rand, Avery, & Co., printers inset opposite I and K 

Sears, W. B., insurance-agent inset opposite G and H 

Shoe and Leather Insurance Company ............ A 

Sweet & Co., Charles A., bankers ............. C 

Warren & Co., Samuel D., agents for paper-mills H 

Watchman, The, George L. Rogers, manager (the oldest religious paper) M 

Whitcomb & Co , H. C, stereotypers and electrotypers L 

Whittier Machine Company, elevators, machines, engines, and boilers . . ... . . O 

304 



FOSTER & SCULL, 

53 Devonshire Street, Boston. 

GEO. E. FOSTER, GIDEON SCULL, FREDERICK BRADLEY, 

REPRESENT 

Insurance Co. of North America, of Philadelphia. 

Pennsylvania Fire Insurance Co., of 

American Fire Ixisuranee Co., of " 

Orient Mutual Insurance Co., of New York. 

Royal Insurance Co., of Liverpool. 




iIDSUR71I]GEl?^(rOMP7ni^; 




FOSTER & SCULL, - - - MANAGERS 

FOR THE 

NEW ENGLAND STATES. 



GAS FIXTURES. 



POLISHED BRASS AND PORCELAIN 



Oil Lamps and Chandeliers. 



^P^EW+P.+P066+§+C0. 



615 WASHINGTON STREET, 



BOSTON. 



Wholesale agents 



MITCHELL, VANCE AND CO. 



NEW YORK. 



ESTABLISHED 1865. 




D 




D 





D 



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D 




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22 Water, corner Devonshire Street, 

OPPOSITE POST-OFFICE, 

• BOSTON. 



P.O. Box, 3033. 



E. H. Sears, Cashier. 



THE 



NEW ENGLAND 

MUTUAL 

Life Insurance Company, 

OF BOSTON. 



The following is the sworn Statement to the Insurance Commissioners of 
Massarhusetts and other States, the property of the Company being taken at its 
market value, January i, 1879: — 



ASSETS. 

Real Estate owned, ...... 

Loans on Mortgages, . . . . 

Loans on Collateral, ....... 

Premium Notes,, secured by abundant Collateral, 
Stocks and Bonds owned, . . . . 

Cash in Banks 

Special Deposit in New Orleans, 

Interest and Rents due and accrued, . . ' 

Amount of uncollected and deferred Premiums, 



$1,274,100 00 

2,259,750 01 

143,850 00 

1,487,703 47 

8,962,284 12 

220,990 20 

9,800 00 

217,624 98 

385.718 Q7 

$14,961,820 85 



LIABILITIES. 

Death Losses unpaid, ...... $151,195 00 

Matured Endowments unpaid 44,183 00 

Net Premium Reserve at 4 per cent, .... 12,737,969 90 
Distributions unpaid, . . . . . . . 177,147 41 



13,110,495 31 

Total Surplus . . . $1,851,325 54 



BENJAMIN F STEVENS, PRESIDENT. 
JOSEPH M. GIBBENS, SECRETARY. 



S, D, WARREN & CO., 

MANUFACTURERS OF ALL GRADES OF 

BOOK PA P E R, 

SIZED AND SUPER-CALENDERED, WHITE AND TINTED, 

AND ALL GRADES OF 

RAG NEWS PAPER, 

220 Devonshire, and 113 Franklin Streets, 

BOSTO N. 



Cumberland Mills, ) 

J Portland, Me. 
Presumpscott " ) 

CopsECOOK " Gardiner, Me. 

Pepperell " Pepperell, Mass. 



L. FOSTER MORSE, 

Auctioneer and Real-Estate Agent, 

36 WARREN STREET, BOSTON, 

(LATE ROXBURY). 

ROXBURY SETTLED IN 1630. — INCORPORATED AS A CITY, 1846. 
WEST ROXBURY SET OFF AS A TOWN, 1851. 
ROXBURY ANNEXED TO BOSTON, JANUARY 6th, 1868. 
WEST ROXBURY ANNEXED TO BOSTON, JANUARY sth, 1874. 
POPULATION OF ROXBURY, 1776,-1,433. 

" " 1850,-18,364. 

" " WARDS 13, 14, 15 and 17, 1875, — 62,212. 

1879.— WARDS 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23, ESTIMATED POPULATION, 77,745. 



y —OF— y 



►^'IJMgU^NCE -f C0MP;^NIE?4^ 






T. F. COLLINS,; 

Steam Paper Ruler, 

AND MANUFACTURER OF 

FIRST-CIASS ACCOUNT BOOKS. 

BOOKBINDING IN ALL BRANCHES. 

Railroad, Insurance and Mercantile Work a Specialty. 
Cutting, Numbering, Perforating and Paging. 

73 Federal Street, Boston. 

flfy-Mr. Collins is the Patentee of the "Collins Striker for Ruling Machines," adopted by the 
leading bookbinders and the United States Government. 



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RAND, AVERY $c CO, 

PRINTER! 

117 FRANKLIK STRB 

BOST 




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THE 

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Shirt 



W, F, Nichols & Co, 



TREMONT HOUSE. BOSTON. 



Business shirts, 
Dress shirts, 
Wedding shirts, 

With Collars and Cuffs to Match. 




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|tj^^®^d3 FRANKLIN, COR. WASHINGTON STS..^^ 

:::^^^^^ ^^^ - :+:i3.Boston,Mass..<«^ 



Designing and Engraving on Wood. 

'V/ nTR. JAMES S. CONAHT refers, for specimens of his work, to the Duts of 
lY the "United States Post-Office and S-ab-Treasury," and the' "Boston 
lA English High and Latin School," in this hook. All work is made 

'^ ^vj-holly satisfactory in every respect to the CMStomer. Estimates 

and Sketches will he sent, or can be called for. 

JAMES S. CONANT, DESIGNER AND Engraver on Wood, 

No. 13 Franklin Street, Boston. 



A' 



Proctor & Moody, 






Fashionable Stationers, 
NGRAVEIjS AND EnVELOPE MaNUFACTUREI|S, 



INVITATIONS, VISITING CARDS, CRESTS, MONOGRAMS, DIPLOMAS, ILLUSTRATIONS, 

LETTER, NOTE AND BILL HEADINGS, CHECKS, DRAFTS, 

CARDS, RECEIPTS, LABELS, TAGS, Etc. 

37 WEST STREET, 

[Opposite Mason Street.] 

boston. 



H, C. WHITGOMB k CO. 

[Established 1864.] 

Stereotypers I Electrotypers, 



22 Milk Street, boston. 



BY THE EMPLOYMENT OF SKILLED LABOR, IMPROVED MACHINERY, AND THB 



BEST MATERIALS, WE ARE ENABLED TO EXECUTE WORK 



PROMPTLY, SATISFACTORILY, AND AT 



LOW RATES. 




Of .EVERY DESCRIPTION. 




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NEW-YORK. 

BRANCH 



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NEAR 



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GHROMOSi 







. i-,^:-, iy |yt^^»a.|,y| ,ja-u,- 1 j , 



LITHOGRAPH MFC CO. 




181DEY0NSHIREST. 



h; Jt«i:mfitm-ia-BT5-HafHf-itri>irTfrp';7«tii(niij->, 




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^^^fl\f^MMmMBfM^f:^J^f^f^f:^f^f^f^f:^ 



.(?VJ). 




7, 8 AND 9 Tremont Temple, Boston. 



Sunday School Libraries . 

SUNDAY SCHOOL PERIODICALS. SAMPLES MAILED FREE. 

O TANDARD Religious Works, Elegant Gift Books and Pictures. Singing Books, Question Books 
KJ B.ble Text-Books, Class Books, Record Books, Bible Dictionaries. Concordances, Commentaries' 
Maps, Charts, Blackboards. Library Cards, Reward Cards, Collection Envelopes, Concert Exercises' 
etc., everything, in fact, needed by the Sunday School, Teacher, or Scholar AT THE VERY 
LOWEST CASH PRICES. TJ?AD£ SUPPLIED. 

Any book published m this or other countries, if not in stock, will be supplied as soon as possible. 

NEW ENGLAND BRANCH /MERIGAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY, 

7, 8 AND q TREMONT TEMPLE, BOSTON. 

GEO. H. SPRINGER, Depositary. 



^ THE WATCHMAN, i^- 

THE OLDEST JOURNAL OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD. 

ALWAYS GOOD, AND NOW BETTER THAN EVER. 

Terms: $3.00 a Year in Advance. -r m- • 

~ lo Ministers, $2.00 a Year. 

Address all Communications simply 

The Watchman 

THOMAS L. ROGERS, Business Manager. p„, ' ,, 
cosTON, Mass. 

17 BEACON STREET. 



M 



HERE YOU MAY RANGE THE WORLD WITH THE MAGIC OF 



bu r n h a m's 

Antique and Modern Bookstore, 

68 SCHOOL STREET, 

OPPOSITE king's or stone chapel, and next to the PARKER HOUSE, BOSTON, 
(For many jears located in Cornhill and in Washington Street.) 

Has in stock upwards of 125,000 volumes in nearly all departments of Literature, 

Law, Medicine, Theology, Scientific, History, Biography, Travels, Reviews, 

Magazines, Pamphlets, American History, 

CTurious anti <Bax\v ^rintcft Books, etc., 

to which he is constantly making additions, by purchase of libraries, small parcels of 
books, the Great Book-trade Auctions of New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Cin- 
cinnati, and auction sales of private libraries, importations, etc. All of which will be 
sold cheap, as usual. Orders promptly attended to. 



QNV NOixvxoadxa ivano qnv 'saiHXNnoo aNV saov 



A.FTER SIX years' CONSTANT TRIAL, the accountants in 
every part of the United States are firmly convinced 
that there is no work of its kind to be compared with 
DEAN'S INTEREST and EQUATION EXPONENTS, 
for rapidity and simplicity in averagmg accounts, or 
finding the interest of either items or accounts. By 
means of this work the interest of any sum, at any rate, 
for any time, can be ascertained almost at a glance. 
The average date, or due date of any simple or com- 
pound account can be arrived at with fewer figures and 
with considerably less work than by any other method, 
or book, ever issued. The interest-balance of an account 
that is generally made up by means of an average date, 

Dean's Interest and Equation Exponents. 

L. L. & MOSES KING, St. Louis, Proprietors. 



can be found more readily than the average date. The 
time-tables show the number of days between any two 
dates, the day of the week and day of the month of the 
maturity of any bill, whether fallmg due in an ordinary 
or leap year. Dean's Interest and Equation Expo- 
nents have always been, and are yet sold with the 
privilege of returning within thirty days if not satisfac- 
tory. The price per copy, postpaid, is $5.00. Over 
5,000 copies — seven editions — have already been sold 
and are now being used in every part of North America. 
Many orders from Europe have been filled. The books 
can be ordered from 

MOSES KING, 
Harvard College, Cambridge, Mass. 

AT 



• V li •] 




MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE CO. OF NEW YORK 



IJUMJMJiJM.Bi'.HliWI! 




^ # GHfljBI\IDGE • .Q^.Sr. fe ^ 
MOSES KING ^||^RUBIiISHERj[ 



a^! [ RAEVRRD • C LLE G E J 



fej, 




CoI'YlUliHT, ISTti, BY MoSKS KlNti. Ue-enteued, 187'.t. 




By the Author of " Harvard and its Surroundings." 

King's Handbook of Boston is the largest, most complete, and best printed 
)ook of its class ever issued in Boston. Great care was exercised in its compila- 
:ion, and especial pains were taken with its typography. It contains about 300 
3ages of descriptions of the prominent and interesting features of Boston. The 
Uustrations comprise 150 steel, photo and wood engravings, heliotypes and 
ilbertypes. Twenty-five of the illustrations are full pages in size, and include 
^iews of the New Post-Office, when completed ; the New English High and Latin 
School, when completed ; the Museum of Fine Arts, when completed ; the Public 
Library, the City Hall, the City Hospital, the Hotel Brunswick, the Boston 
Common, the Public Garden, the Boston Water- Works, the Club Houses, the 
Monuments, Statues and Fountains, the Great Fire of 1872, the Quarrel of 
^Vinthrop and Dudley, the Arrest of Andros, the Boston University School of 
Medicine, the New England Mutual Life Insurance Building, the South Boston 
[ron-Works, the Simmons Building, Macullar, Williams, & Parker's Establishment, 
:he Forest Hills Cemetery, the New " Old South " Church, the New Trinity 
Church, and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. The smaller illustrations in- 
:lude many Boston views that have not appeared in any other book. 

King's Handbook of Boston was designed for a standard work ; and the 
design has been carried out so faithfully in every particular, that it will un- 
doubtedly find a place in the libraries of thousands of families, where a book 
Df its class has long been needed. 

The book is neatly bound in cloth covers, is printed on heavy tinted paper, 
and is published at the low price of $1.00 per copy (postage 15 cents extra). 



ADDRESS ALL ORDERS TO 



MOSES KING, 



Sold by all Booksellers. 



(Harvard College,) 

Cambridge, Mass. 



The following are a few Extracts from tnany favorable reviews and letters : — 

The Graphic, London. 
The practical is supplied by "King's Handbook of Boston," (Moses King, Cambridge, 
Mass., U.S.) — an admirably arranged guide, containing succinct descriptions of the chief 
features of the city, a brief history of its growth, profuse illustrations, and a map. 

The Nation, New York. 
The " Handbook of Boston," published by Moses King (Cambridge, Mass.), groups 
under fanciful chapter-headings a good deal of information about the city, and is plentifully 
illustrated in various ways, and with various degrees of artistic excellence. 

The Insurance Monitor, New York,— the leading Insurance Journal in the World. 

" King's Handbook of Boston," is the title of a three-hundred page volume just issued by 
Moses King, in the highest style of typographic art, and profusely illustrated with heliotypes, 
woodcuts, steel engravings, etc. The amount of labor involved in the getting up of such a 
work would have appalled any other man than Moses King, under like circumstances ; but he 
has carried through to a successful termination an enterprise which ordinarily would be deemed 
impracticable without ample time and the aid of liberal capital. We happened to be in Boston 
at the time the book was delivered, and we had the pleasure of listening to the remarks of 
seveial insurance presidents, who were very deeply impressed with the pluck and industry of a 
young student, fighting his way through Harvard, who could, in addition to his college labors, 
find time to attack and master in so workmanlike and complete a manner so difficult a task as 
Mr. King has just accomplished. 

The Traveller, Boston. 

It is well and handsomely got up, elegantly bound, and contains numerous engravings, 
including several of historic interest. 

Journal of Commerce, Boston. 

A carefully written, well illustrated, and tastefully printed and bound volume of descrip- 
tion, history and anecdote interesting to the resident, and almost indispensable to the stranger 
who desires to acquaint himself with the beauties, antiquities, and attractions of our good city 

of Boston. 

The Congregationalist, Boston. 

A very full collection of information about the city, its appearance, developments, history, 

business, etc., and as comprehensive as is possible under the circumstances. The citizens must 

be few indeed who can learn nothing from it about their homes. The mechanical execution is 

admirable. 

Zion's Herald, Boston. 
About the best metropolitan manual that we have seen, is " King's Handbook of Boston." 
It contains an illustration of about every conspicuous public building and noticeable store in 
the city, and gives a sketch of the history of the city, its institutions, and its leading business 
firms. The book is interesting and very attractive 

The Christian Register, Boston. 
Few books are so handsome, so thoroughly made, or so well adapted to their purpose ; 
and Mr. King deserves a seat at the Lord Mayor's table. 

New England Journal of Education, Boston. 
This elegant Handbook is replete with useful information, and its execution is almost 

faultless. 

Boston Home Journal. 

A superb, valuable and interesting volume, — a complete hand-book of our city; and in 

every family where it has a place in the library, it will be continually consulted for important 

and interesting information. 



Ex-Gov. Alexander H. Rice. 

I have looked through your " Handbook of Boston " with much interest and pleasure, 
and am quite sure that those who buy it will be fully compensated by the gratification and 
convenience it will afford them. 

Rev A. P. Peabody, D.D., Harvard University. 

The book is admirably well executed, and, I think, cannot fail of marked and enduring 

success. It does great credit to your ability, skill and taste, no less than to your industry and 

enterprise. 

Oliver Wendell Holmes. 

The "Handbook of Boston" pleases me very much, and is worthy of companionship 

with *' Harvard and its Surroundings." 

Rev. A. H. Burlingham, D.D., Brooklyn, N.Y. 
I must pronounce it very complete in its treatment of the subject undertaken. The 
arrangement is thoughtful and admirable, and the execution, under each division, full and 
satisfactory. The illustrations show painstaking and skill, and are beautiful as well as profuse. 
The letter-press is well executed, both as to composition and typography. The whole volume 
is a model of mechanical taste, and does great credit to the ability and force of its author 
and publisher. 

Governor B, F. Prescott, of New Hampshire. 

A beautiful and useful book. I shall prize it highly. 

Dr. Samuel A. Green, Librarian Mass. Historical Society. 
It is a decided success in every point of view, and I congratulate you on its fine appear- 
ance. It is most thoroughly and handsomely done, and will be of great convenience to 
residents as well as to strangers in the city. The style is clear and the descriptions accurate, 
and I trust you will reap a rich reward from the undertaking. 

John Ward Dean, Librarian N. E. Hist. Gen. Society. 
I have read it with much interest. 

Dr. William Everett. 
An expensive publication. 

Hon. F. W. Bird, East Walpole, Mass. 
I am struck with the beauty of the illustrations, and doubt not the descriptive matter is 
equally good, and the whole worthy of the good city of which we are all so proud. 

Hon. N. M. Safford, Milton, Mass. 

Every one should feel a just pride in this finely-illustrated compend of the industrial and 
architectural interests of the city. 

Professor R. F. Pennell, Exeter, N.H. 

I'm mightily pleased with it. 

E. F. Waters, Boston Daily Advertiser. 

Your success is beyond anything that I could have imagined. 

William Durant, Boston Transcript. 
A splendid book in every respect. 

The Commonwealth, Boston. 

Everything is tasteful about it, and the wonder is that it can be furnished at the low price 
of one dollar. 

Woman's Journal, Boston. 

An entertaining book, profusely illustrated, and embracing the minutest knowledge of 
Modern Athens' present aspect. 



Charles Whittier, Pr< 



M. Hanpond, Eiig'r. 



A. C. WnrniER, Trcas. 



WHITTIER MACHINE COMPANY, 






0) fiCJ!:, 



MANUFACTURERS Of 



CD 



ll^H Steam Engines and Boilers, % 
tj^l Steam and Hydraulic Elevators. ^ 




New-York Office, 120 Broadway. 



Henry C. Johnson, Agent. 




